Anyone had any success with controlling this problem? I have a good quality (Ranger) boat cover on at all times when the boat is not in use. Unfortunately, it has to be stored outdoors. I'm seeing mildew starting on the vinyl seat covers. I've thought about trying those electrical dehumidifier rods like they use on gun safes, or maybe some type of chemical/dessicant containers placed under the cover. Anything you've had success with?
Thanks

I had the same problem, I changed to a good cover (boat came with cheap rubber on canvas cover) and I spray water repellent on it every so often, I use CAMP DRY. Seems to help alot. And I do my best to keep big water puddles and dirt off so it stays waterproof.

Seen a commercial on TV for a waterproofer for boat covers but I don't remember the name.

that stinks (literally). other than the dehumidifiers you could also see if there's a way to get some air circulating under the cover. maybe figure out a way to get some fresh air in there without letting in water or critters. good luck

Good suggestions, Guys. I'm experiencing no water leakage from the Ranger cover. It is a custom size to my boat model, so the mildew is apparently a result of trapped (environmental) moisture under the cover. Pain in the arse, though. Guess when the weather warms up, i'll give everything a scrub down (under the cover and on the upolstry) to remove the mildew and use both your suggestions as prevention for a reoccurrence. Thanks for the input; this is what the "forum" is all about. Much appreciated.

Walmart sells those water absorption things in the marine section. I dont know if they work.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3908897&CAWELAID=433661757

Here is one I found and am interested if it works.

From my experience, there isn't much you can do to keep the mildew out in an environment like Texas outdoors (unless it's West Texas and dry as a bone).

The chemical desiccants are designed for enclosed spaces with no circulation of new moisture after they have absorbed all they can. Unfortunately, that seems to take a few days under a boat cover, then they're non-functional.

We haven't tried an electric dehumidifier because of the low chance of success and high cost of running one. Plus 110V on an open boat on a dock in the water is a little risky- not like a battery charger inside a closed compartment.

We keep a pontoon boat on a dock and have resigned ourselves to spraying Clorox on it every once in awhile to get rid of the mildew. No hard work is required- just put regular bleach into a $1 spray bottle, spray it on everything that's discolored then watch the black stains go away. No scrubbing is usually required at all. That was a pleasant surprise.

It doesn't even require enough Clorox that any drips into the water, and there's no residue left after the bleach has evaporated. So far, we haven't seen any ill effects to anything from the bleach, but did try it on some small areas before starting to do the whole boat.

Post back if you do find something that works to prevent the mildew in the first place.

Put 2 dryer vent hoses in it one in front and one at transom.
It will help alot.

Go fishing everyday, then you have to take the cover off

Never thought about the mildew will have to look at mine when I rake off the snow

Watch the Bleach I have ruined all the seats on my toon by useing it ;;it takes all the oils out of them and makes them crack

I live in Louisiana and this is why I am selling my factory cover.

I've not had that problem, and I believe its because I allow a day or so for the boat to dry out and in the evening put the cover on. I hope this helps ofcourse I maybe wrong if so please disregard....LOL

okfishing, I know the kitchen cleaners with bleach will take the oils out of the vinyl, because they also have solvents to clean kitchen grease.

I'm hoping just plain bleach won't have that problem, and so far, so good. But we've only had the 'toon for a couple of years so I can't vouch for the long term...

Thanks for the info- I'll be watching out for degradation.

You might try putting a small fan to circulate the air. That is if Elec is available.

I have meldew problems on vinyl seats with my boat being under a cover outside. I created an opening at the front and rear of the boat cover and it helps but does not entirely eliminate the problem. I also open compartments while the boat is covered.