118. Cleaning and re-waterproofing my narrowboat canvas cratch cover.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 พ.ย. 2017
- #narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
A bit of DIY and a product review in this video as I think back to when I was moored over the summer and took the cratch cover off, firstly to kill off the algae growing on it (courtesy a free review product from Kinver Canopies, who nonetheless had no say in the editorial content of my review), secondly to clean it, and thirdly to re-waterproof the canvas.
Kinver Canopies: www.kinvercanopies.co.uk
Renovo ultraproofer: geni.us/CtC_RenovoUltraProofer
Renovo canvas cleaner: geni.us/CtC_RenovoCleaner
Got a question? Read this!
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the TH-cam music library
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You're sense of humour is hilarious and I would love to meet you. I always look forward to your videos, you've cheered me up no end :-)
Thank you. I'm very grumpy in real life, it would be a bitter disappointment. Glad you liked it :-)
"TV journalist, etc, etc" Two weeks later I've evolved from complete ignorance of narrow boating to anticipating my daily fix of CtC. Well done. What a strangely relaxing and addicting (dammit) pastime! Congratulations on hitting 40k as this time last year you were a bit concerned about reaching 25. Keep up the good work.
Thank you
@@CruisingTheCut I agree with Ron. Our daughter got my wife and I addicted. You do a helluva job.
I had wondered since episode 1 why a boat running at 3 mph needed a crash cover but chose to see if an answer appeared rather than risk ridicule with a dumb question. Now I understand that my hearing aids and not the boat that caused caused the confusion.
Thank you for clearing that up.
I looked in the description given what you said. Now I'm paranoid I've missed many more unlisted videos haha
😂😂
David, If you ever have a go at re-cleaning the canvas Id certainly recommend getting a jet washer to it (after painting on the cleaner). I am speaking from experience of being 'gobsmacked' at how doing this brought my cars soft top back to life.
Cheers but using a jetwash is specifically not recommended for these canvas hoods, the water pressure ends up forcing its way through and creating tiny holes so it'll be clean but not waterproof.
It's so good to see that there is a boat liveried to the Stewart & Lloyd business. My great Uncle Howard spent the whole of his working life at theircompany in Halesowen. The canal ran straight through the middle of the massive factory complex. Sadly its all gone now, but not the canal, that is still there.
Your Vlogs never seem to fail me. I look at what you are doing and thing what is this guy doing now, cleaning a cover? This will be as good as watching grass grow., however it just drags me in.. Great stuff David..and I will have the lawn mower ready for next time.. ;-)
Thank you!
We really enjoy the upkeepy maintenance vlogs. As we ponder the possibility of a narrowboat in our future, we appreciate knowing the real life toils and troubles, and the work that will be involved. We also greatly enjoy your humor and narration!
Did you see that Maude? Fellow is painting his canvas... The blue algae killer looks like a product we use over here in the states, it's sold as Wet-N-Forget and it should be applied and left to dry, it works over time to kill mold and algae so another application after cleaning may make the cover look better over time as it continues to kill the invaders. I use it to kill mold on the north facing windows on my house and it really cuts down on how often I have to clean the windows, it also kills and prevents regrowth of mold on the sides of my house too. Happy sailing David!
Great vlog David, two wins for the environment as well; you kept the product out of the canal and you re used your existing cover rather than binning it. One thing to make your job easier next time get yourself a deck scrubber, much easier on the back, I just googled deck scrubber uk and there are plenty available mail order
David, this Vlog is a milestone in your boating lifestyle....2:15 onwards.you are actually doing manual work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even I've had to sit down in exhaustion just watching you!
Looks like quite a job and a good thing you did it when the weather was still good.
Yup, I'm pleased I finally got round to it!
I love this format.
This weeks vlog was interesring. Looking forward to your next one.
Hard work always pays off...Well done
Always enjoy your presentations. Thanks for the update.
Thanks
Great coverage. Lots of maintenance on the boat. Good job 👍
Enjoyed the DIY....lots of maintenance to those fabulous boats!
Nice work, sir.
It looks great after all the treatments.
Hi, Hope the cover is still alive....or do I ? Looking forward to hopefully making you that framed cratch we chatted about at the Crick show. Also to remind you it's probably time to give your cover another spray with the zapper because it's a preventative as well as a cure. Oh, also a shameless ad to let people know it's available in 2.5L bottles now ;) Cheers Happy Cruising.
Meh, it's leaky and mucky and I'm not cleaning it again. And the woodwork is rotten. I'd like a proper quote from you, what email address can I send some specs to you at?
Nice vid and GREAT to see how the combo of products work so well together.
Thanks
Somehow this was oddly satisfying to watch... like the before and after... great job... you do keep up the maintenance on your boat...very good...this video very informative. Thx.
Excellent vlog ! Boaty tip : nail same galvanised wire mesh to your gangplank - absoloutly guaranteed non-slip !
Ha, thanks. I've since changed to a much wider and less slippery gangplank altogether.
well worth the time and effort. look forward to the next vlog. Best wishes Jay.
Cheers!
very well done! you worked hard and the results are excellent! you should be proud of yourself! 😊
Thank you.
I liked that comment about giving your videos a thumbs up before even watching. That's a great idea, because I frequently forget to do so after watching Wishing you a cozy warm winter.
Those thumbs-ups are always appreciated.
Hi David good that you gave it a go I think when you get another one eventually a nice grey on would be nice but that looks a lot cleaner yes you should do vlogs on diy handy tips for other boaters
Great Tribble on your collar
I’ve used the 303 line of cleaning and protecting products here in the US with great results. It’s endorsed by Sunbrella too I believe.
I love your vlogs....keep them coming. Cheers from down under.
Thanks Michael.
I had similar issues with canvas top covered in green alga. Pressure washers and scrubbing worked to an extent but not great, or for a very long period. I also used products like Renovo which worked OK following the procedure you used. Then I found a better method, ensure your canvas like material is well wetted and left wet at least 20 minutes before application, give a good covering / coating of the product, cover the material with a plastic sheet or fold over, to keep it damp. Do not let it dry out, works better on windless damp days and leave damp and covered overnight, with the product on. Next day scrub and wash or pressure wash off. Came up like new. Many of the water proofing treatments also require them to be applied to a dampened or wetted surface, and allowed to dry out. Found I got better results for less product used. Enjoy your videos, thanks.
Good tips, cheers!
Nice job on the cover!
Love the little gang plank--painted to match your boat, no less. BTW, you can buy fabric dye which will brush on, and auto parts stores sell a product to restore the color on convertible covers..
Thanks David.
I look forward to more DYI vlogs.
Cheers from chili Montreal
More soon :-)
Love the diy! Keep it up....
Thanks for all the trouble that you go to over these videos. I clean a lot of different types of equipment and surfaces. I have a small power washer and this works like a dream. Just using a lower nozzle setting will get bird poop off most things.And your narrow boat will take about 45 minutes. Beware of higher power settings as these will remove paint. You could rent one to try it out. Kind regards and greetings from Africa.
Well that cleans up that project then. Water proofing worked well too. Liked this video as well so was a win, win for you and a win, win, win for me. ATB
Ta :-)
Great vlog, David, and I liked your review of these products for cleaning and waterproofing your canvas cratch cover. You could, perhaps, post additional vlogs, where you use these same products on other covers such as awnings and patio shades, but then again, I suppose that would open a whole new canopies.
:-)
helpful video as the waterproofing thing can be used with some jackets or house/garden things as well.
I chuckled when you mentioned trying to spray in "every nook and cranny". That's what I have to do when de-bugging my two small chicken coops. (My 4 hens' beady eyes are normally very good at spotting bugs to peck, except in their upstairs dormitories.) I'm lucky. I hook the sprayer filled with awful stuff up to a garden hose and do it. No need for buckets and brushes. The work makes "The Ladies" very happy, especially the fresh wood shavings for their bums. Luckily no foxes in Hawai'i. Sometimes vlogs like this one are the most fun. We all have mundane, boring chores to do, and viewers can get good hints. For example, I have a large tarp to clean, though I have a different problem. The tarp is covered in mango sap as well as gifts left by doves.
Very lucky with no foxes! (do they have any other local predators eyeing them up?)
Well done.
Jesus, David... the label says to wear protective clothing and eyewear. You DO live dangerously!
job well done. love your language, very funny. you vlog are very very good.
thank you .
Thank you
Good job. I've seen plenty of faded or split canvas canopies that look like they are in need of some care - any work on them is recommended good 👍. Also, good one with responding to all the comments.
Cheers
As someone who has a soft top car I find a good power wash will do the job quite nicely, what you need is a drive through boat wash.
A power washer is not recommended for fabric cratch covers as it can blast through the stitching and ruin the waterproofing
What a difference your work made, it seemed to go from black and green back to blue. I’m not looking forward to doing mine but it seems to be vinyl not canvas so it’s waterproof but gets a lot of condensation if it’s cold and I open the bow doors. However, it still provides some extra useful space. I also have a giant pram cover over the cruiser stern and I’m not looking forward to removing that! That’s really useful for keeping the dog off the towpath though.
Definitely a useful space. Interesting to hear about the condensation, I'd been thinking of replacing my canvas cover with a vinyl one on the basis that it would never need re-waterproofing.
Maybe take that canvas cover to a car wash. I think the wash wand and spray system would give you more power. At least here in the states they use clothes pins for rubber mats so you could just hang your crachit up. You could pre-wash with your algae prep-stuff then use the power of the wand/ hand sprayer to get the job done. Or rent you a power washer.
One of numerous drudgeries of boat ownership but I admire your willingness to be thorough. My boat cover was covered in algae, bits of old mud-dabber nests, pollen and spider “poo” and I cleaned it with a mixture of cleansers. It looked much better. Then three days later Hurricane Harvey dumped 54 inches of rain on us and all my good work and boat cover was ruined.
Hoow frustrating!
A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser would do wonders to clean that canvas much further.
Did you inform the sponges next of kin 😩
Thanks, David, thumbs up!
Thanks Dave, as always :-)
Pausing here at just about 2 minutes in, photos seen here and there have shown even solid steel railway wagons abandoned over there in UK to be nearly covered with that green growth; a condition rather different from central US where I live.
I don't know if it is suitable for this application or not, but the best algae treatment I have seen is Algon for polythene. You spray it on at night before bed then the next morning you spray water from a hose on it to wash it and the now dead Algae off.
The thing with exterior fabrics is to submerge them in order to clean them. Hot water and fairy or a washing powder is good enough. Even if you can't get the whole thing in, something like a laundry basket placed inside a large poly bag will turn it into a big bucket with ample volume to dunk much of a cover or tarp for long enough to scrub it down while underwater. And then you apply the proofer.
Taking notes for my propane grill cover.
You can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean kill algae. And it degrades onto hydrogen and oxygen when oxidized. And it is completely safe if it spilled in the canal.
Isn't that the stuff people do their hair with??!!
CruisingTheCut I don’t know about its use to do hair. But it is an antiseptic used for first aid. I use it in my aquariums to kill off algae under water without harming my plants and fish.
It's used to kill algae in fish tanks (small amounts applied directly not sloshing a bottle full in) so yes, not harmful to canal dwellers.
Ah, Ok! Cheers
Hey David, love the Vlogs. I think that you consistently have the highest like to unlike ratio of any TH-cam vids I have seen.
After washing and drying I would have painted it with an oil based paint 50/50 mix with white spirit. Colour of your liking.
When the occasion comes p again to remove the crratch cover, I would get a large heavy-duty plastic to put under it so the inside would not get mucky. Plus, on Amazon, they sell cordless scrubbers. I have one for my bathroom and t really works well
Great video
Ta
I don't think you need a new one. Looks like you fixed it.
I always used a pressure washer for my cover. It got rid of all the muck. Just a bit of washing up liquid with a brush first. I then proofed it. Had the boat 10 years (with the same cover), and did it every year. Thanks for the vlog!
It’s not advised to use pressure washers on these fabric covers apparently.
@@CruisingTheCut I heard that too, so only used the minimum pressure (ie keeping the spray head away from the fabric) just to remove the dirt ( used to get lots of seagulls!). It seemed like a similar fabric to yours. No visible damage after 10 years.
Good to know, cheers!
hi david nice job good video 10/12 bob in derby
I like your videos so much I give you a thumbs up before I watch it. Just great videos.
Thank you!
Me too. You just know they're going to be good, so there's no point in waiting until you've watched them! 😀
As another previous comment......nearly caught up to date, life will be less frequently entertaining! Terrific vlogs, especially the Avon / Severn 'series'...........I've simply got to do that, spent too much time on the Leeds and Liverpool / Aire and Calder....... Keep 'em coming please!
More soon! Yes, the Avon was lovely The Severn less so but it was a convenient way to transit from Staffs and Worcester to the Avon. Cheers!
Good video, like normal, keep up the good work :)
Just a thought . My ex wife used to, or still dose have a horse, which had several horse blankets/covers. They were made of similar very tough canvas and as horses some times role they get very dirty. There are places that clean them in very heavy duty washing machines, the place she used did repairs as well. I'm sure it didn't cost a lot and they looked good after cleaning. I think it might be worth enquiring if they would pop the cover in the wash. Easy. Don't think it would cost much.
Forgot to say they reproof them as part of the service as well.
I remembered when you got to the waterproofing that I had used that (or a simmilar) on a canvas tent I used to have for backpacking, I would top up the waterproofing at the beginning of each year. but before that 'paint on' one I had used a very liquid one that gave a plastic-like surface. On the tent it didn't work because it cracked when folded up. But on your cratch cover, if it just stays up all the time, it may be a better option simply because there is no effort in applying it, just a spunge will do it.
Cheers
they make canvas dyes that you can use to make that look new again, seen them on Amazon . apply with a sponge , just wipe it on. Great boat tech video as always .
Interesting! Thanks, I'll take a look.
The Renovo renovator dye is amazing I've used it myself but had to use a brush to apply and then you have to redo your waterproofing as it leaks like a sieve once painted, does look brand new though once done.
I've found that my small high pressure hose (small as in water pressure) has been one of the best investments I've ever made. I use it for cleaning anything from walls to cars to showers to pathways. Many have the ability to mix cleaning product with the water. When listening to your intro I thought that would be what you would be using. I remember when you were going through your on board kit been surprised when there wasn't one in the inventory.
The need for a power supply may be an issue on a boat.
love your videos, great mixture of operational, sightseeing and boatmanship.
Power could come from the inverter but water supply might be an issue. Easy enough when on a mooring, of course. I certainly don't have space to store a power washer on the boat though and it wouldn't get used item enough to justify it, I don't think.
Good video.....nice DYI! I bet a good pressure wash would clean the cover up rather nicely. Maybe take it to one of those car washes with a pressure wand (if they have those in the UK).
We do have those! Good idea.
Yes very good idea, so all the chemical stuff doesn't go into the ground.
i love the DIY vlogs keep them comin :D, Greetings from Holland,, Kitty.
A few more on the way over winter :-)
Another good video.Love the baby tribble!
Thompson’s water seal works on canvas really well.
Tried it a while back on a canvas motorcycle cover that had begun to leak. Despite being good on brickwork, it failed to waterseal the cover.
That was really interesting. The crotch cover looks so much better and worth the scrubbing
Errr... "cratch" ;-)
CruisingTheCut oh NO!! That was autocorrect! 😳😳😳😳😳
😂😂😂
Your DIY went well, not as perfect as new, but much better. At least the well deck will not resemble a well with water at the bottom after each rain. Perhaps with the waterproofing, birds will not be able to ‘spot’ your boat for a while, either. I cannot, however, say that the vlog title was as well received, despite the seasonal tie-in. I half expect a late December vlog involving the cratch and the archaic usage as manger.
And I was so pleased with the title :-(
Can't believe you destroyed the burgeoning algal empire :P
I just found and listened to your interview on The Indie Project podcast. Very enjoyable. I don’t recall your mentioning it. If not you should. If you did how did I miss it...silly me. I liked this video by the way. 👍 your cover looks much improved.
Thank you. I haven't mentioned it on here.
CruisingTheCut Please allow me to put the link right here for the podcast. th-cam.com/video/T8G07qisWJI/w-d-xo.html
Not sure how workable it would be in this circumstance, but I used to clean canvas tops (and the later plastic coated nylon) by taking them to a car wash, and using the pressure wand. Really did a good job of getting the blackish tree sap and other crud off without tearing up the fabric.
You just had to make sure the floor of the bay was clean or do the washing in the back of the truck (I was often dealing with very large sections).
I'd quite like to have a go at that but would need to find a wash with a clean floor, as you say. Cheers
I cannot believe I have never tried this. Do you use plain water under pressure or go for soap and then rinse?
You could probably take it to a do it your self car wash, the manually done ones.
A few times over with the pressure washer will probably help even more...
Apparently pressure washers are not good for the fabric, according to one of the cover manufacturers.
....... in addition have you tried using silicone spray on the flat surfaces where the rain puddles and other places where water doesn't run off easily?
Nothing like keep your cratch drip free!
Hi. A little research and development for you to so.... when I have my house roof overhauled shortly, I'll be fitting some pieces of copper poking out under the top row of tiles, (in the USA, you can buy the copper in pretty pre cut strips). Apparently, the rain washes over the copper, down the roof, and stops algae and moss from growing. Perhaps you could put some copper wire, strategically placed, on the cratch cover to achieve the same thing? Crack this one, and you'll be rich! Enjoyed the vlog as usual... Ta!
Intriguing idea!
Just a suggestion, use your Maarigolds as those chemicals are very harsh, plus handling bird poo even though it is dried is yucky.
I bought a cordless scrubber with other attachment from Amazons. You might consider getting one as it can be used in household cleaning...
I washed my hands after, fear not!
Autoglym fabric roof cleaner is also a good product
You succeeded, you did not fall in. Bugger was hoping you would. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
I must try your Renovo RUP5001117 International Ultra Proofer. I had a canvas motorcycle cover which started to let through water. Tried Thompson's Water seal, which by the way, works well on brickwork, but it failed to waterseal it.
The Renovo lasted well for about a year but needed doing again (although my canvas is so old and worn, it really needs replacing rather than a brush-on solution)
Maybe another way for you to do is take it to a car wash, here in the states they have clips on the walls of the wash to hang things like IE car matts and the such. Maybe you could do the same with the scratch cover with the cleaner and sprayer.
Good idea
Have you not cleaned your cratch cover since you had it made? If not, what a naughty boy you have been. Lol. Job well done. It's very similar to field washing horse rugs, just a different green and poo source.😂. I really don't miss that chore. Take care.
It came with the boat and it didn't seem it had been taken care of back then either, so it's been overdue since I got it for sure!
CruisingTheCut ⏰🌓🌔🌕🌗🌘⏳
Thanks for the HEART and sorry or the typos. my keyboard needs to be fixed.
Have a great day. It is raining heavily here in NY and we just got a Flood Alert
Look out for a product call 'Wet & Forget'.... It's mainly used for patios, to clean off algae etc. But if you read the 'extra info' on their website, you can use it on fabric like caravan awnings etc... Then maybe follow with something like 'Fabsil', also used for waterproofing tents and awnings....
Good tip
Wet & forget and Fabsil are both fantastic products. I have actually used the former on the actual caravan before. Fabsil being a more durable re-proofer. Wet & Forget is also biodegradable too ;)
Lovely cleaning and waterproofing job, David! That cover certainly is a lot bluer now.
Haha, thanks. It could really do with another go but there are other issues with the cover anyway so ultimately I'll get it replaced but they're not cheap so that'll do for now :-)
Well, power washer seems to be the answer 😆😊
But as far as waterproofing is concerned, I think that 'you've got it'😊
Cheers
As you may become a RVer they have a lot of stuff to clean also and does a very good job. Also in some of your old videos you was looking for stuff for your boat. I think one was a shower. The ones thaa RV uses works very good to get a water saver type shower.
Thanks. My little camper won't be big enough for a shower, it's a tiny van!
I was talking about your boat. I just found your channel and took a month to watch all from day 1. One boat video you were looking for a new shower head. I was using as a Example that if you are looking for something for your boat to check the RV store. I am watching your van channel so I keep commits for that channel. I do love your boat and wish the states had a water system but we have river systems. Keep the videos comming
Oh, sorry. I misunderstood (and had forgotten about that old video)! Cheers
I just watched your video about cleaning and re-waterproofing your Cratch Cover...Maybe you can find time to try a trick some of us here across the Pond use.... I suggest that a simple solution of Boiled Linseed Oil and Mineral Spirits mixed into a 1:1 ratio for waterproofing...there is a drawback though....as you are using Mineral Spirits for drying a oil, it will take a couple of days to dry, but then...there you go.... We actually do this to simple decent quality bed sheets to make what essentially are simple Oil Cloths....we then turn them into lightweight tarps for what ever our needs are.... Many You tube videos on it...
Thanks. I won't try that now as the cover is now sorted but I'll bear it in mind for the future. Cheers.
I figured that, and I'm betting that you won't want to get the mixture on the Plastic windows....but...there you are. Enjoy your videos...
Try using a rechargeable shower scrubbing brush next, done with half the effort, especially the green bit!
I've never even heard of such a device and must go to Amazon to look for one straight away!
I had to do this to a ex army short base Land Rover. Hard work.
But worth it.
Yes it was and I like scrubbing more the rubbing.
HCL MC 42 and fabsil as demonstrated by artists aboard widebeam misty and me with Freedom
Cool!
:-)
Spray the algae cleaner on preemptively. It will prevent new algae from forming. You can do this for any part of the boat that shows signs of algae blooms.
I don't know if the cover would now take it, given that I waterproofed it and all fluids now just run off!