Any product recomendations for cleaning our white vinyl interior?  We have a 260 LS bowrider wtih the fill in bow cushions, sun pad, etc, all in white.  It looks great clean, but keeping that way is a challenge.  I have used upholstery cleaner I found at an auto parts store but was wondering if there is something better out there.

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Bruce
Cincinnati, OH
2006 260 LS
350 Mag-Bravo 3
Rivertowne Marina

I have had success with magic erasers for general cleaning and stains.  If you are fightning mildew try Star Brite mildew and stain remover.

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"Beer Budget"
1993 182BR w/ 2-foot-itis

2005 Hemi Dodge Ram QC 4X4

I second the magic erasers for deep cleaning.  For quick cleans products like Simple Green work well then follow up with a protectent of you choice...303 is real good but $$$

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Steve Kroesen
Apollo Beach, FL
Kroes Nest

Just spent a couple hours yesterday cleaning our vinyl. Through out the year we always do quick wipe downs using a vinyl cleaner/ protectant available at local auto parts store or marine store. However over time I realize that the surface texture of the vinyl gets dirt/ mold which makes it look dirty. Yesterday while using the cleaner/ protectant I used a soft tooth brush to get ni the crevices and dirty areas. When done it was amazing what a difference it made. Front bow looks like NEW!. Takes some time, but if your particular for keeping your boat clean like I am, its well worth the time. Grab a beer and spend an hour or two and its time well spent.

Magic erasers are good for some cleaning. But I do have concern with them wearing the vinyl out. Simple Green is a grea overall cleaning product and environmentally friendly. We use it all the time to keep the boat clean. Also nice to have a pack of WIndex wipes on the boat to constantly do the water spotted windows.

 For carpet we had several stains and I used a heavy traffic spray/ shampoo. WOW did that make a difference too.

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1998 Corwnline 180BR (1st boat)
Waterford, MI
Go STATE!

Most newer crowns have a treated vinyl that is actually not supposed to be cleaned with vinyl cleaners.  Not sure why yours won't stay clean?  Often, what happens is the petroleum in the cleaners you buy attract dirt and make it stay dirty.  When bad, I've used simple green and a soft brush to get out the dirt.

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2006 235 CCR, "Mommy's Diamond" Fairwinds Marina, Magothy River

Jay Thompson:

Most newer crowns have a treated vinyl that is actually not supposed to be cleaned with vinyl cleaners. 

Your'e right Jay, the vinyl is treated with PreFixx protective finish on newer boats (not sure how new). They recommend NOT using any conditioners or protectants with the PreFixx finish.

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2008 240LS - "Lee'Sure Time"

I just use a spray bottle filled with soap and water and spray the all the vinyl after each outting.  Id rather frequently do light cleaning than infrequent marathon cleanings.

I have to clean mine after each run. My captain's call tends to leave some residue on the back of the boat. Not bad as I make all my passengers wipe down the boat. I just clean the back. Only had one guy complain about wiping down the boat. Funny, he has not been back on the boat since!

 

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Limited Edition 230BR 8.2Liter/502CI (GSI Volo Penta) DP-S

LAKATION

Project(s) Completed:
2000 Watt Stereo Systerm
Swimplatforms.com

Coming Soon:
Wakeboard Tower and Speaker Setup
Custom Graphics

Robert Ruiz:

I have to clean mine after each run. My captain's call tends to leave some residue on the back of the boat. Not bad as I make all my passengers wipe down the boat. I just clean the back. Only had one guy complain about wiping down the boat. Funny, he has not been back on the boat since!

 

It's a good interviewing process for future boaters. Handing them a rag after they go the first time.

I always say everyone is welcome to come on our boat their first time. The second time is the looming question.

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Gary Peak
Acworth, GA
’05 240 EX
350 MAG – BIII
AQUANOMIC$

Agree! Most do not complain or even mind. I know when I would bum rides on a boat I was all about helping out. If someone is kind enough to bring me a long, a few minutes of wiping the boat down is no big deal. Before we set off I give the rules, don't like them off the boat. Everyone says "man ths is a very nice boat and so clean". My answer is yes I like to take care of my stuff and if you do the same you are welcome any time. I have another boating friend I don't invite anymore. No matter what he always manages to forget to take off his shoes and leave shoe prints on my seats. No mo invites for him.

 

 

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Limited Edition 230BR 8.2Liter/502CI (GSI Volo Penta) DP-S

LAKATION

Project(s) Completed:
2000 Watt Stereo Systerm
Swimplatforms.com

Coming Soon:
Wakeboard Tower and Speaker Setup
Custom Graphics

My "may not return" list is really short. Unfortunately, my Inlaws are on it.

"A" they aren't boaters to begin with so don't understand or appreciate the lifestyle.

And "B," gave us a bunch of crap for spending so much money on a boat. 

You'd think that after we kept our SeaRay 185 br for 8+ years and they could always count on us being on it every weekend; they'd realize that it wasn't so much of a phase, but a lifestyle!!

I'll get off my soap box now.

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Gary Peak
Acworth, GA
’05 240 EX
350 MAG – BIII
AQUANOMIC$

Robert Ruiz:

Agree! Most do not complain or even mind. I know when I would bum rides on a boat I was all about helping out. If someone is kind enough to bring me a long, a few minutes of wiping the boat down is no big deal. Before we set off I give the rules, don't like them off the boat. Everyone says "man ths is a very nice boat and so clean". My answer is yes I like to take care of my stuff and if you do the same you are welcome any time. I have another boating friend I don't invite anymore. No matter what he always manages to forget to take off his shoes and leave shoe prints on my seats. No mo invites for him.

I agree i had a 96 210 cuddy for 11 years it looked like it was new i always made people take off their shoes. in my 250 i go threw a lot to keep it extremely clean.

 

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2006 250CR
Moonstone & Onyx

I also us magic erasers to clean the vinyal and side of boat.

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2006 250CR
Moonstone & Onyx

I had been using the 3M vinyl product for years. It cleaned and somewhat protected fairly well. Bought the 202br I have now and it needed a little more elbow grease. After reading the posts on this forum, I tried the Magic Eraser and then followed it up with the 303 Protectorant. Wow, what a difference. It looks brand new. Now, all I do is sponge down the vinyl with plain water and it's all good.

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2001 202BR 5.0 EFI B3
"Calico Jack"

Magic erasers are great for getting in the crevices of the vinyl material. Very little effort is required, just a few erasers!! Word of warning: Don't use a cleaner which is not designed for boats or upholstery. Regular household cleaners will deteriorate the thread used in stitching the seats, cushions and sunpads!

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P
iNEEBriated²
1995 266LTD – 454/B3 – Moonstone/Wild Cherry
Home Lake – Lake Cumberland, KY