The Effects of UV Rays on Your Boat Interior

Using a Boat Cover

Using a boat cover for boat interior protection could be a useful option. These covers are often UV resistant and because most of them are made from marine-grade polyester, they have a high durability rating.

However, there can be a significant downfall to this option. During the spring and summer months, you might not want to keep the cover on for long periods. Depending on where you live, you might get year-round use out of your vessel. Taking the cover on and off every day might take up too much time. 

Depending on the size of your pontoon boat, putting the cover on and off can be quite a hassle. This can discourage you from taking your boat out, meaning you won't get a lot of use out of it. Most boat owners have a boat cover for off-season use and look for more convenient options to protect their interior during warmer months.

Polish Might Be Worth a Try

Using an acrylic-modified gel coat or a high-quality wax could be a good option to help maintain UV resistance for your boat's exterior. This might not always be the best option though considering the time it can take. For some people, the job might not take longer than 90 minutes to complete.

For others, it could take up to 20 hours. It really depends on the size of your boat and the material you're using. Opting for a compatible compound boat wax could also help to protect your boat, however, this method isn't always going to provide complete boat interior protection.

While it will provide great exterior protection and maybe even yield an additional protective layer for the interior gel coat surfaces, it won't protect things like vinyl cushion covers. You have to consider the aerial view of your boat and how a lot of your interior will still be subject to direct sunlight.

A Sun Shade Could Help

A sun shade for your pontoon boat might be a better alternative to a complete cover. These shades are great for filtering out the sun's harmful rays. However, while there are options to cover your entire sitting area, you might not always want this.

If you use your boat a lot or entertain often, you may still want the option of having no shade over some of your seating. A sunshade is great for portions of your boat which means that a lot of your seating will be left unprotected.

A sunshade also doesn't provide adequate coverage from all directions. This is why sunshades aren't always proper alternatives for protecting interiors.

Marine Window Tinting Is Proven to Work

With a lot of options for achieving boat care from harmful UV rays, you're still left with a few challenges. You need efficient options that make sense during the months you want to use your boat most. You also need UV protection from different directions.

One of the best options is to use marine window tinting to combat harmful UV rays. Pontoon boats aren't always one level. Even for those that are, you still have the captain's area which often has a windowed area. A lot of pontoon boats have sleeping quarters.

These types of popular pontoons will often have windows because they have sleeping quarters. Fitting them with marine-grade tinting will provide better protection for your interiors. It will also reduce the need for interior boat maintenance over time.

Tinting also helps to reduce the glare of the sun which enhances the use you get out of it. Protecting your vessel has never been easier when you use marine window tinting. It's a simple and affordable option that increases the longevity of your boat in the long run.