www.iFourWinns.com

I've got at least two, if not more, coats of Starbrite polish with PTEF on my boat.

I washed the cover in the driveway with 303 Fabric Cleaner last year when we got it, and then coated it with 303 Fabric Guard. Its sitting outside, and even with the TONS of rain we've had lately, I'm still getting bad black streaks.

Do I need to wash my cover in the washing machine and let it dry while its snapped to the boat then recoat with fabric guard?

They are driving me mad....

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Its from the dirt and dust in the air when it rains. Use black streak remover, it works well.

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

Won't that remove wax?

It comes off real easy when I wash it...its just becoming a major PITA!

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

That is exactly what I would try next.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Welcome to the world of smog...

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

I had this issue with the cover on my previous boat. I suspect it had something to do with the 303 protectant. I washed(by hand) it before protecting it though. I'd be curious to know if machine washing it would make a difference, for future reference.

I don't have this trouble with my new cover but I have not needed to apply protectant to it yet.

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2008 Horizon 260 VP 8.1 Gi

I'm tempted to throw it in there and see what that does.

I think the 303 is playing a role in this somehow....

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Right from Sunbrella's website:

When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine or dockside. When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:

•Always use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
•Water should be cold to lukewarm (Never more than 100°F/38°C.)
•Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
•Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.
General or light cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:

•Brush off loose dirt.
•Hose down.
•Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite (no detergents).
•Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
•Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
•Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
•Air dry.
•May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).

Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:

•Eight ounces (one cup) of chlorine bleach.
•Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
•One gallon of water.
•Clean with soft bristle brush.
•Allow mixture to soak into the fabric for up to 15 minutes.
•Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
•Air dry.
•Repeat if necessary.
•Re-treatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.

In the beginning of May I wash my cockpit and bow covers in our front load washing machine with no problems. Allowed the covers to dry on the boat then applied 303 fabric guard.I store the boat with a mooring cover when ever its not in the water. This year that's be all but maybe three weeks in total. This weekend after a rain I had black streaks on the boat is it Acid rain or just smog from the city?

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Andrew
07 H180
2000 Buell X-1
Stouffville Ontario
Canada

Hmmm. Black Canvas with 303. I get the streaking too - since new. PITA. I'm moored quite a ways out of town - small town on the coast with little smog issues but that doesn't mean we don't have any.

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2008 Four Winns 210 5.7 GI/SX
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 Crew
1966 Fed-Up Wife

The black stuff is dirt from the air brought down by rain, not smog, not acid, just good ole dirt.

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Mike
2007 Horizon 200 SS
5.0 GXi SX drive.