Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

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on
-
going
care
General Cleaning
Malibu recommends keeping the boat clean at all times. Immediately after
an outing, the boat’s exterior and interior should get a thorough rinsing with
clear, fresh water, and then should be allowed to air dry prior to covering with
canvas. If this is not possible, the boat’s cover should be removed as soon as
you arrive at your destination and allowed to dry.
Boats must be thoroughly rinsed inside
and out with clear, fresh water following
all outings and then allowed to completely
dry prior to storage or parking. Failure to
do so could result in damage to the finishes and the development of
mold or mildew, or permanent stains. Such damage is not covered under
warranty.
If the boat will be left in water, the exposed areas should be wiped down
with clear, fresh water and allowed to dry before boat covers are installed.
Consumers should never add aftermarket
waterproofing to canvas. The canvas must
“breathe” in order to avoid mold and
mildew. If any spray-on waterproofing has been added after delivery, it
will void the warranty.
Canvas
Breathability of Fabrics –Air Permeability: Air permeability is an
important factor in the performance of outerwear where the wind resistance
helps keep the user warm. Fabrics that have high air permeability usually
have low water repellency, the latter being an important feature for
mooring covers. When in a slip, mooring or parked on a trailer, the cover is
not experiencing any pressure that would force air through the fabric so
breathing or air permeating will not occur.
In all cases, vents that are often placed on covers provide more ability for
air to move out from under the cover than the fabric’s ability to breathe. It is
important to note that in this “static” condition air under the cover is stagnant.
Where air permeability is most important is when towing. This is a dynamic
condition and high air permeability will cause the cover to billow and buffet,
lowering its life and potentially causing damage to the surfaces it touches.
Mold & Mildew Cause and Prevention: Mold and mildew spores are
ever-present in air and soil, and most will germinate when exposed to
temperatures above 75˚F and relative humidity (RH) of 50%, with rapid spread
occurring at 80%; however, some can grow in significantly lower temperature
and RH levels.
All fabrics will support growth but natural fibers like cotton, due to their
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 226