www.iFourWinns.com

Greetings fellow Captains,
I pulled the trigger on all new canvas for my 03 Vista from Great Lakes Boat Top which leads me to my question to you all:
What do you use to care for and protect your panels? What to avoid?
I've used Plexus, Meguiars mirror polish and cleaner, I've never used Pledge although some fellow boaters swear by it.
I'm reading about Imar products and Novus, so I'd like to come up with a plan from the beginning to keep these looking like new!

I'd appreciate your insight. I'm saving the old panels and canvas to use when the boat

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Michael Bova


"Swept Aweigh"
2003 Four Winns 328 Vista

Previous Boat
2003 Crownline 230CCR

First of all, no folding. Only roll them up when dry. can't comment on the products.

I had some work done at canvas shop and they also reiterated many times to always roll and not fold. Also, to clean only use water and soft sponge with very light soap. I use car soap or dawn. lots of water as the dirt will scratch. Then use 303 to protect from UV.
Now to fix haze it seems almost impossible with lighter gauge. I have heard good luck with using a buffer, I would like to try but the canvas shop charges $150 a panel to fix so i haven't had the guts. I have the nexus kit. 3 different bottle for different levels of scratches and I tried by hand on a couple spots.. does work...
I may try a buffer on an inconspicuous spot. I will report back if I get the guts. I will probably try next week when I get the canvas off for road travel and clean them.
Be careful on what you use, some things will stain or create a haze and its big $$ to replace.

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

Michael I also replaced mine this winter with GLBT canvas and was wondering the same thing. I dont see how we can go wrong with the Plexus so Ill probably just stick with that. Did u install your canvas yourself or have it done?

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Michael, I also recently replaced the enclosure (all canvas & plastic) on my 378 and the manufacturer/installer recommends Plexus and a clean, soft cloth for the plastic....hope this helps!

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Clayton
2005 - 378 Vista
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Not yet! I will be this weekend if the weather holds. A little nervous about snap placements on the arch .

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Michael Bova


"Swept Aweigh"
2003 Four Winns 328 Vista

Previous Boat
2003 Crownline 230CCR

I installed one arch snap in the center of the arch to keep things aligned, then installed all my windshield snaps since they are adjustable. Once they were all installed I finished up with the non adjustable arch snaps. I couldnt tell you if thats how it is supposed to be installed but it made sense to me and seemed to work alright with minimal wrinkles and no water leaks. Not sure if you bought their vise grip looking snap tool but holy geez is that thing awesome...well worth the money in my book.

_________________
Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"