Dinghy UV and Aluminum oar Protection

[Rich Stidger]

I have just purchased a new Achilles dinghy. Purchase forced by explosion of my 9-year old PVC Zodiac.Anyway, my questions are these:Is there a coating that will protect the fabric from UV? Maybe something like sunscreen for dinghies? We store our dinghy on the foredeck bottom side up. Lots of other people store the same way on dinghy docks or racks, so maybe someone has an answer.I know that I can put a cover over the bottom, but this is not very convienent.Also, the oars are made from aluminum tubes and I know from past experience that these will corrode fairly quickly in my salt water enviroment.Is there a coating or wax, or something that I can apply now to protect this metal. After the corrosion is there it is too late, and the paddle tips become frozen in place. In the past I have tried waxing the oars but this has not been effective.Any suggestions?

 

[menestheus15689]

come on ....

man you got 9 years out of an inflatable ! thats great seein is how you probably paid around $ 1,500.00 FOR A BOAT ! so dont sweat it they are in a sense "disposable" relax and enjoy your dink ! but to answer your question a cover is the only real way to go. but the kicker is it's not really going to make it last any longer ! yes i know this thread is going to cause great panic among sailors

 

[Rich Stidger]

I disagree on life expectancy of an inflatible

My previous dinghy was an Achilles made from hypalon and it lasted almost 20 years with the same general treatment. Never had a seam separate or any structural problems of any kind.The PVC Zodiac? Very poor life, and I had problems with the seams from the 5-year mark. I nearly sunk last year in Maine on a boat-to-dock run. The bottom seam let go and we nearly lost all of our groceries.IMO, PVC is junk. Disposable? Yes, I agree, but not after just 9 years.

 

[Tim22902]

303 aerospace protectant

I havent used the stuff so I couldnt tell you if it works but I may pick some up for my new dink.