Is Saltwater Safe For Boat Helm Seats?

Sunshine kissin’ your face, hair wild in the wind, and salty spray on your skin – that’s the magic of cruisin’ on the open water. But that same saltwater that makes you feel like a seafarin’ legend can be a real pain for your boat, especially your captain’s throne – the helm seats. So, the big question is: are boat helm seats and saltwater besties, or worst enemies? Prepare to dive deep into how saltwater affects your prized helm seats and discover ways to keep them shipshape. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to combat the salty enemy and ensure your captain’s chair remains comfortable and functional for years to come.

What impact does saltwater have on boat helm seats?

Saltwater is a bit of a double-edged sword for your helm seats. It gives you that quintessential boating experience, but it also comes with a hidden threat. Here’s how that salty goodness can wreak havoc on your beloved helm thrones:

• Metal meltdown: Saltwater is super corrosive, which means it’s bad news for any exposed metal parts on your helm seats. Like fasteners, frames, and even the little staples holding everything together. Over time, that metal will rust, making your seats weak and leaving nasty stains. Not a good look.
• Vinyl breakdown: Most boat helm seats are rocking vinyl upholstery. Vinyl is pretty tough, but saltwater is like kryptonite to it. Those salt crystals are basically tiny sandpaper, slowly but surely wearing down your record until it cracks and peels. Not exactly the chill vibes you’re going for, right?
• Mould and mildew mayhem: The constant dampness from saltwater creates a five-star hotel for mould and mildew. These unwelcome guests don’t just make your seats look gross, they can also stink something fierce and potentially cause health problems.

How can you protect your boat helm seats from saltwater?

Don’t fret, captain! There are ways to combat the effects of saltwater and keep your helm seats looking (and functioning) their best. Here are some battle plans you can put into action:

• Rinse and repeat: This is your golden rule. After every salty adventure, give your helm seats a good rinse with fresh water. This washes away that surface layer of salt crystals before they can do their damage. Then, follow up with a cleaning using a special marine-grade vinyl cleaner to get rid of any lingering salt residue and dirt.
• Cleaning stuff that actually works: Ditch the harsh household detergents – they’ll strip away the protective coatings on your vinyl helm seats faster than you can say “SOS.” Instead, grab a gentle, marine-grade cleaner designed specifically for boat upholstery. These cleaners are formulated to remove dirt and grime without hurting the material.
• Seat covers: Your helm seat’s bodyguard: Think of seat covers as superhero capes for your helm seats! They block nasty saltwater spray and scorching sun rays, all while letting out any sweat or moisture that builds up. It’s like an extra layer of armour against the crazy stuff the ocean throws your way.

What alternatives are there to saltwater-unfriendly helm seat materials?

Sick of your helm seat being a wet noodle after a day on the water? Here’s how to upgrade that thing to a salty-water slayer.

• Marine-grade vinyl with extra muscle: This stuff is everywhere for a reason. It’s built tough for the boat life, and way more resistant to cracking, peeling, and fading from that harsh sun. Look for vinyl with built-in UV and mildew protection for ultimate chill.
• Fabrics built for the high seas: Some fancy seats come with special fabrics that are basically kryptonite to saltwater, mould, and mildew. They might even breathe better than vinyl, keeping you cool on those days that feel like the sun’s got a heat lamp pointed right at you.
• Rust? Not a chance: Ditch the rusty nightmare! Go for seat frames made with stuff like stainless steel or aluminium with a powder-coated finish. These materials can handle saltwater like a champ.

How often should you clean and maintain your boat helm seats?

Here’s a cleaning routine to keep your boat helm seats in tip-top shape:

• Post-saltwater scrub down: This is crucial. After every saltwater trip, give your helm seats a quick rinse with fresh water followed by a thorough cleaning with a marine-grade cleaner.
• Regular cleaning routine: To prevent dirt and grime build-up, make cleaning your helm seats part of your regular boat maintenance routine. Ideally, clean them once a week during boating season, or more often if you’re constantly hitting the waves.
• Deep cleaning mission: For super dirty seats, or at the beginning and end of the boating season, consider deep cleaning. This might involve using a special vinyl cleaner and protectant to bring back the shine and suppleness of the material

Conclusion

So, saltwater happens with boats. No shocker there. But that doesn’t mean your boat seats have to turn into soggy messes! Follow these easy tips, and your captain’s chair will be comfy and lookin’ good for ages. You gotta keep your salty command centre in tip-top shape for all those future adventures, right?

Calling all captains: Sege Seats – Your first mate in the helm seat comfort

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to combat saltwater damage, let’s talk about taking your helm seat game to the next level. Here at Sege Seats, we understand the importance of comfort and durability on the open water. That’s why we craft premium helm seats using the finest marine-grade materials, built to withstand the harshest marine environments.

We offer a range of options, from heavy-duty vinyl with UV and mildew resistance to breathable, marine-grade fabrics. Plus, our seats come with corrosion-resistant frames that can handle anything the saltwater throws their way.

So, if you’re looking for helm seats that are as tough as they are comfortable, look no further than Sege Seats. Get in touch with us or visit our website today to browse our selection and find the perfect thrones for your boating adventures. Fair winds and following seas, captain!