Dark canvas in south Florida? .... and mold.

[Chesagansett]

Our boat has navy blue bimini, and a navy blue cockpit cover. With the high sun angle, the dark cockpit cover got so hot and got the cockpit so hot that it turned the white lexan cabin door to a shade of off-white/yellow. I certain.y don't want dark canvas for the next boat, but I do see a good number of boats down here with dark canvas. I asked a local about this, and he claims that because the canvas gets so hot, it kills any mold. He said lighter canvas will get moldy.

Any truth to this, or is a myth? I don't want to scorch the cockpit, but I don't want to deal with mold, either.

Thanks

 

[boatbum]

I have no idea. But I do know we get mildew under the hard top and I have to bleach it twice a year. Our enclosure is Stamoid and this has to get taken down at least twice a year and washed/treated. We have shady areas (like the hard top) and it could be the heat would be higher if it was a dark color. One thing is for sure, in North Fort Myers (anyway) if you do not cover the seats they will pick up a funky mildew that is impossible to remove. The same for the power cord. This year I used Ethyl Lactate (acetone replacement) to clean up the cord and still could not get it all out. But I put two coats of mop-n-glo on the cords hoping that would prevent the growth. The boat is on the hard now so the cords are not exposed to the rain etc..

 

[Chesagansett]

Thanks, Dan.

 

[pdecat]

any enclosed space will get hot in FL sun. I doubt it could get hot enough to kill mold spores without burning up. I used weblon instead of canvas because it was more waterproof longer and came with different colors inside than out. Changed all my dark gray canvas to white weblon with light gray interior to cut down on sun glare at the helm. Replaced all the vinyl window junk with lexan as well. made a huge difference.

 

[pdecat]

 

[boatbum]

Looks good Bruce.

 

[PascalG]

If air can flow under the canvas, I don't think it will get moldy. Can't think of a time where it happened. Now when white canvas is in contact with cushions as in a tight sunpad cover then yes, I ve see some mold on the cynic cushions. Cleans easily though

 

[Chesagansett]

Thanks all. The top looks good, Bruce.

 

[pdecat]

Thanks but the credit goes to my canvas guy. Notice the front corners of the lexan windows have no seams. The lexan is curved. It becomes very rigid when curved so no extra support of seams were necessary.
That lexap was almost as good as glass years later it still was clear.
I kept the small smily vent open when docked and think the air flow kept it cooler and reduced mold. The weblon is easy to wipe down as well.That peak or bill in front was an add on that added shade inside and IMO made the top look better.