Waterproof Malibu OEM Cover - Waterproof sprays?

[rdpatten]

Our 2008 Wakesetter cover leaks terribly, I believe it's the original cover. It seems to get more water in the boat than the amount it actually rains!

Has anyone had success with any of the waterproof sprays? The cover is in good shape, but leaks like a sieve. 

[PNWoke]

A cover that old, I would probably recommend replacement.  Sounds like there’s a lot of degradation in that fabric if it’s leaking that badly.  The chemicals are hit or miss, they might add some more life back in but that fabric is still gonna be 15+ years old and ready to tear in a strong windstorm.  I bought a backup sunbrella cover through bald mikes for around $750.  It’s really nice, trailerable, and durable.  I’m pretty sure someone has a decent cover on the classifieds that is cheap and would likely work on your boat.

[ahopkins22LSV]

I have used this in the past and it worked nicely. It was on a much newer cover, but it would only be a $50 gamble to see how it does.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AY4RE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[JasonK]

I use the starbrite waterproofing on my cover too. My new $950 cover, from a canvas shop, started leaking after the 5th year. Really disappointed with the fabric, whatever it is.

[Cole2001]

303 fabric guard would be my choice but a cover that old might just need replacing 

[oldjeep]

303 Fabric guard - it is what malibu originally recommended.  I use it on my boat cover and wifes convertible top.  Just make sure cover is nice and clean.  If the seams are really leaking bad you can also consider some seam sealer - similiar to what you would use on a tent.  No cover stays waterproof forever without additional treatment.

Edited March 28 by oldjeep

[oldjeep]

You could also try this - it is what sunbrella is recommending these days

https://www.sunbrella.com/sunbrella-restore-fabric-protector-and-repellent-32

[Rednucleus]

Which of these products would you try on an old dry suit - just getting  kind of "oozy"; trying to limp thru this spring before replacing!

[oldjeep]

Not sure any of them would work real well for a dry suit since they are not really designed for immersion.

Google says there are a few products out there for doing what you want.

[electricjohn]

I will have to try that Sunbrella stuff. I have always used 303 Fabric Guard which gives me about 2 summers of protection. Last time I tried Starbrite waterproofing, and it nearly doubled the weight of my 21 year old Sunbrella factory cover and made the cover harder to maneuver.