Spray Sunscreen

[Kraut]

I've been reading through some of the previous threads regarding spray on sunscreen, upholstery, and cleaning and have a follow up question. Is just wearing spray on sunscreen the problem, or is the issue spraying it while on the boat?

What about rub on sunscreen? Are there issues with wearing that while on the boat?

[sandm]

fwiw, my policy is no spray at all, applied or not. only rub-on.
we also clean the boat after every use with babes so I think that helps..

where in the great state of WI are you??

[whiteflash watersports]

We use spray on, rub on, face stick, etc and your allowed to apply while on the boat. We have never had any issues at all. I have not noticed overspray. I do clean at the end of the weekend with Boat Bling.

[boardman74]

WE use spray on but don't do it in the boat. Never saw an issue. I personally would never spray it or anything else in the boat.

[Dan and Christy]

We don't allow spray on to be applied on the boat, actually prefer it not be used at all near the boat. The upholstery looks great. A good buddy, and fellow TO's, wife uses only spray on sunscreen. His upholstery is showing its age. We both religously use cleaning and conditioning materials(vinyl sauce, Babe's, etc.) on the seats as well. Is it soley due to spray on sunscreen? I don't know for sure but if it helps the upholstery at all, I will continue to not allow it.

[Bad05]

We use spray on even though I've read that people think it damages the upholstery. I hate the feeling of lotion on my skin (make your Silence of the Lambs comments) so spray seems to be a compromise for me, especially on my face! However, a good buddy, and fellow TO only uses rub on sunscreen in their boat. HA! My upholstery does show more signs of wear than theirs, but their boat seems to have a better quality material all together, not sure if they switched between 05 and 06 or not. Regardless, I'll keep cleaning and conditioning as needed and enjoying the boat just the same. Come time for a new boat though, I might make a change!

[WakerideN]

Its kind of like myth busters if you think about it. So you spray it on and what exactly is getting on your vinyl? sunscreen? you rub it on your skin.... sit on your seats what is being transfered from your body to your seats, sunscreen. Aerosole does have other chemicals in it that do facilitate the break down of vinyl yes. So sprayed on your boat or not. If your wearing it, at some point its transferred to your seats.

the sun and UV are the number one issue breaking down your vinyl. Every boat we re-do has the same issue. The thread has rotted, and the vinyl is cooked\broken down. Between the cycles of water, sun, heat, extreme cold the fibers just break down.

the only way to avoid vinyl failure is if your boat is stored in a dark cool dry place and never used, along with periodically conditioned. (but that would mean your not going to have much fun with it) Vinyl starts breaking down the minute its exposed to the sun. Most marine vinyls have a UV rating of like 500 hours on average. So consider the clock ticking once exposed to the sun on breaking it down. the good news is it takes time. the bad news at some point it will all fail no matter how amazing you take care of your boat if you use it.

[Duncan]

A good buddy, and fellow TO's, wife uses only spray on sunscreen. His upholstery is showing its age.

We use spray o... However, a good buddy, and fellow TO only uses rub on sunscreen in their boat. HA! My upholstery does show more signs of wear than theirs, but their boat seems to have a better quality material all together, not sure if they switched between 05 and 06 or not.

hmmmmm

[Joeprunc]

I spend a fair amount of time in the boat, and anything that is going to help prevent skin cancer is good. Both my wife and I almost usually use spray-on when on the boat. I almost always have the bimini up to help stay out of the sun. Upholstery and boats are replaceable/repairable, cancer is not as easy to repair/replace.

[JohnnieMo]

I make people spray on the swim platform, when they are down wind. I find it gets all over the place, mostly on the glass, and I get annoyed. I wouldn't spray that in your car or your house, so don't spray it in my boat.

[Dave S]

No spray on lotion on my boat, yes some bring it now and then. I mostly hate the overspray that gets on EVERYTHING.

[gwhite94]

We use spray and rub on lotions, key clean/condition after everyuse.....

[sandm]

I heard the issue is not sunscreen but in the contents that make it aerosol. easier to just say no than remember to ask them to use on the platform.
I always keep enough on hand that if someone does try to use it, I offer mine.

[WakerideN]

I spend a fair amount of time in the boat, and anything that is going to help prevent skin cancer is good. Both my wife and I almost usually use spray-on when on the boat. I almost always have the bimini up to help stay out of the sun. Upholstery and boats are replaceable/repairable, cancer is not as easy to repair/replace.

I completely agree! x2

[25cents]

I start each season by steaming all upholstry and add A little 303 on the seats before seems to help. I have little kids and the spray stuff is great and have yet to see any real issues, but I also am very anal about cleaning everything each time we leave the lake.