Axis A20, Owner'S Manual

Page: 159 / 216

Axis
Owners
Manual
2019
Page 148
the contamination that gets into a seam or stitch holes?
A closer examination reveals that a marine seat is a very complex construction. The vinyl
that you look at or sit on is a minute part of the total construction. The vinyl is usually attached
to a fabric to give it dimensional stability and physical strength. Urethane foam of various
thicknesses provides a cushion, and the whole seat is usually built on a piece of plastic.
If contaminated dirt carried by rain water gets inside the cushion, the biological growth cycle
can begin. It is quite common for soil organisms growing in the foam cushion to produce colored
by-products, the most notable of which is a pink compound.
This dye is soluble in plasticizer (an ingredient in flexible PVC) and will diffuse and migrate
to the vinyl surface. Even though the vinyl compound is adequately protected against mildew
growth, pink staining can occur if contact is made with components of a seat which support
mildew growth. This stain cannot be removed by washing. In any case, the owner’s perception of
the boat’s quality has been seriously affected.
The Solutions: As in most complex problems, there are a variety of actions one can take to
prevent microbial problems. These actions must be directed to the components of the product
and the total construction. Working together, they will assure the highest probability of success
in eliminating quality problems associated with mildew contamination.
The solution consists of four components:
1. Keep seats clean.
2. Remove or kill any surface growth.
3. Use materials that are treated to inhibit fungal growths.
4. Keep surfaces covered, if possible, when not in use.