Marine Fabrics Designed To Safely Protect Against Moisture

There may be some confusion about the term marine fabrics, with some folks believing it is the type of material used by the military. In reality, marine fabrics are designed to withstand the rigors of constant exposure to water and to provide protection against the elements. Additionally, there are many type of fabrics used in the marine industry that may be used in many other applications in providing protection against the weather.

One of the oldest and most common types of marine fabrics is canvas, which is usually water resistant and allows the fabric to breathe to prevent damage caused by non-porous materials holding moisture under the fabric. Plastic and vinyl are typically used for temporary protection, but if they remain in place for too long, damage from the maintained high humidity level will soon become apparent.

Different measures are used to determine the quality of marine fabrics in addition to their ability to repel water. While many waterproof fabrics have been introduced to the marine market, their ability to protect completely against water hinges on a few factors. While they are usually designed of open weave fabrics, movement of objects against the fabric can allow water to freely flow through the material. Additionally, the type of thread used in making custom covers along with zippers and grommets and the technique used to secure them into the fabric will be key to the waterproof quality of the marine fabrics.

Many boat manufacturers and companies involved in their transport will use plastic or marine vinyl for protection while the vessel is being transported. The short-term protection is valuable to only provide coverage while on the road, but is less expansive than many other type of marine fabrics, and will generally be discarded once the boat reaches its final destination.

Depending on the size of the boat as well as the type of cover needed, different types of marine fabrics in vinyl, canvas and many newer materials can protect not only against the saturation of water, but also against the buildup of humidity and heat under the cover. Fabric that can block rain from getting through the cover while allowing the water vapor to escape can provide better protection against water damage and rot than plastic can provide.

For most watercraft owners, protection is the most important function of marine fabrics they choose, but they also want the type of cover material that will make their vessel look to good to themselves and others.