Malibu Boats M235 2018, Owner'S Manual

Page: 157 / 200

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 cellulose component, are more
susceptible than synthetics. Some
synthetics are treated with an anti-
microbial agent which adds to their
growth resistance. Anti-microbial
treatments protect the base surface
itself, so that alone won’t support spore
growth. However, organic soiling on top
of those surfaces will. Once a population
is established on the cover, vinyl seating
or gel-coat, an irregular stain will appear
which ranges in color from gray to black;
however, yellow, orange & red stains are
possible. Sometimes UV exposure can
fade them but most often they remain
permanent stains.
Treatment:
(Canvas manufacturers
acknowledge this is difficult and
very time-consuming, with limited
expectations of success. Therefore, it is
desirable to avoid the necessity of mold
and mildew treatment.)
Malibu Owners Manual • 2018 • Care and Maintenance • Page 7-2