Saying how long a Boat canopies will last is a bit like saying how long a pair of shoes will last. The better you take care of them and wash, polish and wax them, the more likely they are to last longer. How you use your shoes is also crucial. On snow-covered streets with salt or sand, or the fancy shoes brought out for weddings? So let's take a closer look at what and how a Boat canopies is affected by different aspects and what you can expect if you buy a Boat canopies from Kapell & Annat.
Which elements are normally included in a Boat canopies?
The most exposed boat cover is normally a sprayhood or any of the motorboat covers as they are usually up at all times to protect various parts of the boat, its instruments and equipment. The UV light from the sun and strong winds is what puts the most wear and tear on the canopy. A sprayhood is also held up by frames to keep the sprayhood very stretched so that it is neat and functional.
Durability of the arches
All frames are made of stainless steel or aluminum, the former being the most common as it is the most durable material. None of the materials rust and normally you only need to change frames when you change the manufacturer of the boat cover. This may be because you want a new design or some other functionality you didn't have in your old Boat canopies. In other words, the arches are very durable and are mainly affected by damage, but may lose their chrome shine over time. For this, you can use chrome gloss or another product that makes the steel shine again.
The fabric
Answering this question becomes slightly more complicated as the fabric itself is very durable and maintains its waterproof function for many years, but is affected by wear and tear, use and how well it is cared for. Read below what you can do to extend its lifespan.
Rutor
The lifespan of the plastic windows of the boat shelter is limited by the chemical composition of the plastic and is affected by environmental regulations. We always make sure to have the best windows that comply with all laws and regulations, but after a number of seasons the windows may start to become hazy, yellowed or dried out.
Sewing thread
The weak point of the sewing thread is normally also the sun's UV rays, which can cause them to break, but depends on the composition of the thread. Kapell & Annat uses the best thread on the market, which has superior UV protection and can be equated to the overall lifespan of the canopy fabric and boat canopy.
What can I do to extend the life of my Boat canopies?
Here we have compiled a list of what you can do. You can also read more and order products at Care instructions for Boat canopies.
Washing and impregnating the boat shelter
It is important to keep the canopy fabric and windows clean from bird droppings to avoid discoloration. Wash with fabric cleaner for occasional stains. 1-2 times a year the canopy should be washed with water. Impregnate with customized agents you can buy in your ship's store or order here only when the canopy starts to leak.
Storing Boat canopies
When storing the boat enclosure, e.g. the cockpit enclosure, during travel, it should be kept dry. Make sure the boat cover is dry before stowing it away if it is for a longer period of time. Also make sure that you have folded the canopy nicely so that the windows do not get a sharp or abrupt fold. The same applies to winter storage.
Proper use
Depending on the type of Boat canopies you have, it is good to think about when you use which one. For a motorboat with an open cockpit, it can be a good idea to switch to a harbor cover when the boat is in port to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the cockpit cover.
How long can I expect it to last?
We expect our Boat canopies from Kapell & Annat to last about 15 seasons +/-5 seasons depending on how well you take care of your canopy. The lifespan can be slightly affected by color, but is negligible. Normally we expect that the windows need to be replaced after about 8 seasons, but this also depends on use and care. When it is time for a new canopy, you can contact us with your production number to renew the fabric. We save all the templates we have made with specific production numbers which you will find on the inside of your Boat canopies.