sailingdeacon
Member III
I'm about to replace the dodger and bimini on my 87 E34. It was suggested for the top portions, that I use Sunbrella with the vinyl backing to insure waterproof... and to eliminate regular waterproofing with sprays. I've check around and see that Sunbrella has a Sunbrella Plus 8400 Marine series which appears to be the tradional marine version. To get the vinyl backed version appears to come from a company Para-Tempotest amd/or Dickson which is owned by Sunbrella. I've seen the vinyl backed version and it looks super. I am definitely thinking of using it for the bimini, but wonder it might cause mildew since I dont see how it can breath with the vinyl. I've seen that caution at one web site, but no others. Clearly Sunbrella touts their traditional sunbrella for breathing. I also am considering the vinyl for the top part of the dodger but on my previous dodgers, have seen mildew there on the sides after the fabric is several years old. The boat stays in a NC humid, hot area in the summer.
Any one with experience here?
Any one with experience here?