44 | BOATINGMAG.COM | APRIL 2018BOAT DOCTOR ///BOATINGLABPHOTOS: COURTESY MEGUIAR’S (2), COURTESY STAR BRITE, COURTESY LUCAS OIL PRODUCTSSEE MORE ON VINYL CLEANERS AT BOATINGMAG.COM.MEGUIAR’S
VINYL AND RUBBER
CLEANER AND PROTECTANT
CLEANER/PROTECTANT/DETAILER
We were out of beanbags when we got
to this product, so we pulled a gnatty,
white vinyl seat out of my Glastron, and
sprayed and brushed the cleaner light-
ly to get it into the tuck-and-roll ribbing
and seams. Our job took only a few min-
utes to complete, then we wiped it dry.
RESULTS We were pleasantly surprised
at how well it took away a few small
black marks, brown stains, and dust
and dirt. It dried with a handsome,
lighter sheen and wouldn’t restain with
ink — the ballpoint pen failed to transfer
ink to the surface.
PRECAUTIONS For a light-maintenance
wipe down and go, it’s OK, but with our
heavy dirt, it was better to rinse the
seat with a light spray to hose away dirt
rather than risk wiping it into the grain
and pores of the vinyl.
AFTER USE We tried Lucas Tire and
Trim Protectant, and it had good re-
sults. Star brite’s Ultimate Vinyl Guard
appears to add a heavier, more visible
protective layer, so the choice is depen-
dent on your preferences.
COST: $18 per pint; westmarine.comSTAR BRITE
ULTIMATE VINYL GUARD
PROTECTANT
This was our favorite protectant. Star
brite uses PTEF, an acronym for a poly-
mer coating that leaves durable UV pro-
tection on the vinyl surface. We’ve found
this additive improved the effi cacy of all
its products. Star brite’s Deck Cleaner
with PTEF left a coating that protected
against future stains (for more info, go
to boatingmag.com/deck-cleaner). We
sprayed it on and wiped it in with our
bare hands to completely coat the sur-
faces and avoid absorbing it in a rag.
RESULTS The next day there was a
high-gloss sheen to the surface. It was
slightly tacky, so we buffed it lightly
with a rag, and the results were a clear
sheen and supple feel. After treatment,
we couldn’t get ink to transfer to it from
a ballpoint pen. It wouldn’t stick.
PRECAUTIONS This product leaves a
heavier fi lm, so it could be applied with
a cloth if a less noticeable sheen was
preferred.
AFTER USE We preferred the heavier
coating of a hand application followed
by a light buffi ng with a cloth after a
period of drying.
COST: $10 per pint; walmart.comLUCAS
TIRE AND TRIM SHINE
PROTECTANT
This one is off-label for vinyl seating, but
because the product had similar prop-
erties to Meguiar’s Vinyl and Rubber 57,
we called Lucas Oil. The company’s con-
cern was it might make the seats slip-
pery. Our tests indicated otherwise. We
sprayed it on and wiped it in with bare
hands, letting it dry overnight. We buffed
it off the next day.
RESULTS We found the buffed fi nish
was more subdued than other pro-
tectants, leaving a barely visible sheen
on the fabric, which we liked. For many
boaters, this look could well be an
advantage.
PRECAUTIONS It’s not labeled for ma-
rine vinyl, but we noted that other vinyl
protectants were also suggested for
use on rubber, tires and trim. And the
label indicates it provides UV protection
as well. I keep it handy in my boat.
AFTER USE Its lighter sheen didn’t
require buffi ng, and it was surprisingly
less tacky without it. You’ll need to
conduct your own tests to arrive at your
preference.
COST: $8.50 for 24 ounces;
mylucasoil.comMEGUIAR’S
ULTIMATE DETAILER
DETAILER
Designed specifi cally for marine fi berglass, the detailer
is touted to use a “hydrophobic polymer technology” that
repels water after removing “dirt, grime and fresh con-
taminants.” It has a sort of polymer aroma to it followed
by a fruity smell.
RESULTS We used it on our truck and epoxy-painted
runabout, and it worked well just spraying it on andwiping it off. While some spray detailers leave streaks,
this one did not. We followed up with a light water spray
and found it did repel water.
PRECAUTIONS The label makes no claim of UV pro-
tection, so be sure there is a good coating of wax on the
fi berglass. The label says the detailer won’t remove it.
AFTER USE The beauty of spray detailers is when
you’re done, you’re done. But you’ll still want a serious
wax coating twice a year — this is a great touch-up.
COST: $13 for 24 ounces; meguiarsdirect.comVinyl Guard
leaves a strong
sheen that sheds
water, resists
dirt and adds UV
protection.Vinyl and
rubber pro-
tectants have the
ideal mix of UV
protection to re-
sist sun damage.
Tire and
Trim Shine
gives good UV
protection and
a more subtle,
soft sheen.