deteriorating boat vinyl after 3 years?

Question
We bought our boat new 3 years ago.  After about 1 1/2 yrs, we noticed some orange/red spots developing on some of the white cushions. They began to spread and become sticky to the touch. There doesn't appear to be anything consistent with sun exposure.  We clean them with boat soap, REMOVE and store them for the winter months (in dry storage at home).  They deteriorated so much, we had to have the cooler cushion redone last year (manufacturer reimbursed cost) and two more seat cushions done this spring (manufacturer refused to pay for these). It's unsightly and frustrating because we keep a ship-shape boat. The rest of the cushions are now showing similar blotches and becoming sticky.  Can you help us?

Answer
Dear Elizabeth,

Sounds like mold.  You can spray the cushions with a sanitizer to help hold it back.  If you can store in a dry place or find a way to dry them after use, it should help not mold or place so they air out and stay dry.  Check closed areas on the boat interior that may be black etc. from mold then just spray with 1/2 cup bleach to gallon of water to kill it and keep it from spreading.  It may be that the fabric is prone to mold.  There may be a spray that will retard mold but I don't know a name.

Good Luck

Harvey Chichester
Coast Guard Auxiliary
www.boat-bottom-paint.com