Care of sprayhood & co. - tips for long-lasting boat covers

How to keep your soft top in shape
 

A well-maintained canopy is not only an eye-catcher on the water, but also reliably protects the crew from wind, weather and UV radiation. Whether sprayhood, cockpit tent, bimini or tarpaulin - if you want to enjoy your canopy in the long term, you should pay particular attention to its care. As the main supplier of HanseYachts AG, we know what is important. In this article, we will show you how to take optimum care of your boat cover before, during and after the season.

Before the season: preparation is everything
 

Before the sailing season starts, you should give your soft top a thorough inspection. Check typical weak points to recognise damage at an early stage:

• Chafe marks, tears and open seams
   
• Functionality of zips, buttons and rubber tensioners
   
• Condition of the window films (clear view without scratches or clouding)
   

During the season: regularity pays off
 

Your soft top also needs attention during the season. Especially after sailing in rough seas or prolonged exposure to the sun:

• Rinse with fresh water to remove salt residue
   
• Remove seagull droppings immediately to prevent staining
   
• Maintain windows: Clean with a soft cloth and special cleaner such as Vuplex and polish after rinsing to prevent limescale deposits
   
• Do not bend the soft top in cold weather - window films are particularly sensitive in this case

Important: Never pack soft tops when wet! Moisture encourages mould growth. In rainy weather, ventilate well or allow to dry.
 

Protection against UV radiation, mould & mildew stains
 

UV radiation and moisture are the biggest enemies of a soft top. These can be minimised with a few tricks:

• Use protective covers to protect window films from the sun
   
• Ensure good ventilation, e.g. with ventilation hoods
   
• Wipe off condensation regularly
   

Act immediately at the first signs of mould stains - you can find suitable cleaning agents in our shop.
 

After the season: clean thoroughly & store correctly
 

After the last cruise, intensive cleaning and preparation for winter storage is crucial:

• Bathe the canopy in cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent - no hot temperatures
   
• Dry carefully - even in small areas and seams
   
• Store in a dry, well-ventilated place, ideally without creasing the window film

If necessary, we will be happy to carry out repairs to your canopy or advise you personally - contact us before the end of the season or bring your canopy to our sailmaking workshop in Greifswald.

Conclusion: soft top care pays off
 

Consistent and material-appropriate care not only keeps your boat cover visually appealing, but also significantly extends its service life. With our tips and the right products, you are well prepared for every season.

Discover our care and cleaning products in our yacht equipment shop now and have your boat top professionally inspected by us.