: Waterproofing rain top


Bunzey Unlogged
07-24-2008, 11:24 AM
Was anchored in a good rain storm this weekend with the "rain" top up (called "convertable top" from Ranger). There was a steady very, very fine "mist" coming through the top. Now, I know they are not to be water "proof", but wondering if there is some kind of spray a guy could spray on it to make more of the water run off the top?

Morton
07-24-2008, 05:33 PM
Believe it or not there is something I have used that I found by accident.
Once I sealed some grout on a tile kitchen countertop with food grade sealer.
A day or so later I attempted to wash the rags I used ..... no luck .... couldn't get them wet again.

Since then I have used it for my fredora ( Hat ), jackets and other items, including my boat cover.
Works great other than whatever water can run through a sewn seam.
Also, it does not get stiff and has never changed the color on anything I have used it on.

It is a little pricy but well worth the money. ( $45 / Gal or so )
You might think about a product like that.

I can't remember the name off hand other than it is something GOLD.

Good luck
Morton

Phil T
07-25-2008, 08:13 PM
1. Ask Ranger what type of cloth is in the top.
2. "Google" fabric waterproofer, even Thompson has a coating for canvas.
3. Try what you bought on an obscure corner of the top and check for discoloration.

Miami Vice
07-26-2008, 12:41 AM
303 aerospace protectant
Miami Vice

fishinnut
07-26-2008, 12:39 PM
Camp dri. It's used on tents. Probably any kind of silicone sealant.

Brad1
07-29-2008, 03:40 AM
303 aerospace protectant
Miami Vice

No offense Miami Vice, but right brand, wrong product. 303 aerospace protectant is for vinyl and plastics.

Fabric guard (also made by 303) is the correct product for Sunbrella tops. It works very well. I apply fabric guard every year as part of my pre-season get ready program. Sunbrella does leak when not treated. But it makes up for that drawback by not being affected by UV. All you have to do is treat Sunbrella and it won't leak.

303 Fabric Guard is the product recommended for use on Sunbrella by the Sunbrella manufactorer.

Miami Vice
07-31-2008, 07:53 PM
Brad 1
You are 100% right.
Miami Vice

RANGER
07-31-2008, 10:58 PM
Camp Dry will do the trick! So will other "tent" type sealers. For the seams - use Coleman Seam Sealer by Coleman Tents.

You can also research www.Campmor.com ............. Great source for outdoor "stuff"!!

When this cover wears out - consider a cover using "Top Gun" material!! That is what I have and it is, IMHO, the best out there for our boats!!!

MikeF
08-01-2008, 06:01 AM
303 Fabric Guard.

Spray in on and let it sit in the sun as heat helps sets the spray.

Products with silicone will attract dirt.

The above info is from the 303 company.

I have used the 303 Fabric Guard for my Top Gun boat cover and my rain top for years and it has performed great.

A little on the expensive side but the products work.

Miami Vice
08-01-2008, 01:37 PM
I used to use the 303 with a hand spray bottle, but I didn't get good coverage, and it was too tiring to squeeze the trigger every second.
The best thing to use is a 2 gallon sprayer that you would use in your garden. When you spray the rain top, you should spray first in a horizontal pattern from left to right. When you are done then spray in a vertical pattern top to bottom. This way you get better coverage. Also 2 lighter coats will give better coverage than 1 heavy coat.
Miami Vice