Cockpit cushions and water questions

[Ron Mehringer]

Two quick questions:1 - Is it ok to leave the backrest cockpit cushions out for the season? I find them hard to attach and I'd like to leave them on.2 - I'd like to keep water for washing up, but not drinking, in the sink water tanks. Would a drop or two of bleach keep the plastic tanks and line from getting all scummy?Thanks.

 

[George Henry]

Bleach works for us

We have a 25 gallon bladder tank in the vee berth locker. We use this water for washing dishes, hands etc. We add 1/4 cup of bleach per 25 gallons of water. This keeps the water clean and fresh all summer. This may require adjusting for warmer clims. We carry on fresh drinking water for the day or weekend.

 

[Dave Condon]

cushions

Ron;If you are coming to the boat often, some do leave them on but you need to keep them clean and use of a vynil upholestry products does help for a longer life. Many folks leave them on for a long time and they of course deteroirate without any maintenace.This is one item that could have been improved b for. Any suggestions for improvement from you sailors?Crazy dave

 

[Steve]

SUNBRELLA

Have slip covers made with velcro out of Sunbrella. It lasts, is cleanable, and not bad looking since you can choose color.

 

[Bly Berken]

Marine Grade Vinyl

Ron -If your cushions are the original or replacements made by BottomSiders they are made of closed cell foam and coated with a marine grade vinyl. This is very tough stuff. Shouldn't be a problem leaving them out, but as Dave said, clean them occassionally and recoat them with a vinyl conditioner and they should last a long time. Bly

 

[Russ King]

Beware of thieves

If I leave anything outside, I expect it will be stolen before I return. Theft is a big problem where I live.Anything left in the sun will fade with time (I'm SO glad I have a garage), so the idea of slip covers for your cushions sound like an excellent idea. Let the slip covers fade, instead of the vinyl.