Does Canvas Shield last?

Skipper November 23, 2020 Ask The Skipper

Greg Gifford asked:

If I apply the canvas shield kit correctly to my boat cover, how many summer seasons in the sun with it last and remain waterproof with UV exposure? Will it breakdown over time and have to be re-applied?
Thank you.

Answer:

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The longevity of Canvas Shield is a difficult question to answer because there are so many things that can affect its life. UV is one factor, but there are also many others: infrared (heat), abrasion (from wind, dust, washing with a brush), flexing (flapping in the wind while trailering), pollution (fall out from the sky), washing, salt air and water, acidic bird feces, docking and storage conditions, etc., etc.

So, the answer is 6 months to 10 years, but 2 to 3 years would be a reasonable expectation.

Most boat owners clean their top with Fabri-Klean and re-apply Canvas Shield annually, as a preventative maintenance measure. Water and mold damage to the interior of your boat can be very damaging, inconvenient, and expensive to repair. Preventative maintenance is proven to be cheaper in the long run; much like changing the oil in your car on a regular basis. You don’t have to do it. You can probably double or triple the recommended mileage or time or wait for the little red light to appear on your instrument panel, but we both know how that’s going to work out.

In conclusion, you can clean your canvas cover with Fabri-Klean, and re-apply Canvas Shield annually, or wait for the top to start leaking and do it then.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar