Clear Vinyl
Cole, I might be able to help here. I've used three products to help maintain clear vinyl windows. Here's my routine: First, when you are washing your boat with a deck brush and soapy water, DON'T wash the vinyl windows. A deck brush (even a soft one) will scratch the vinyl, causing more problems. Simply rinse salt, dust, dirt, etc. off the vinyl with a fresh water hose. Second, Meguiars makes a product specifically for restoring scratched or dull vinyl windows. (I forget the product number, but it comes in a small plastic bottle). Use this product to restore windows that have been scratched by a deck brush, dulled by salt or sun, or stained by bird droppings. Third, Meguiars makes another product specifically for general cleaning and maintenance of vinyl windows. (Again, I forget the product number, but it comes in a small spray bottle). Simply spray it on and wipe carefully with a clean, soft 100% cotton towell. This will remove minor contaminants like fresh bird stains, pollutants, water spots, etc. This is the product to use regularly on your vinyl windows. It keeps them clean, clear, and supple. Fourth, use Rain-X to add a slippery shield that allows rain to bead up and run off. Apply with a clean soft cotton towel, and use a clean towel to wipe clean. Rain-X helps prevent dirt and stains from sticking in the first place, making it easier to clean your vinyl windows the next time around. We have a full vinyl enclosure on my father's fishing boat. I use the Meguiar's maintenance product inside and outside, then Rain-x the outside about once per week during the fishing season. Rain and salt spray bead up and roll of the vinyl when we're making 25 knots. The vinyl windows are several years old, but people still ask if they are new. Lastly, when storing the vinyl windows over the winter, use clean, dry 100% cotton towels between them (beach towels are good). This keeps them from rubbing on one another, and prevents scratching. Hope this helps. Randy
