Clear vinyl window cleaner

[Randygh]

What do you use to clean and polish the clear vinyl windows in your boat's canvas top? Last year I used the Aurora two part Clear View cleaner polish kit. The stuff worked well but was fairly expensive and I don't have any left. My boat's vinyl windows are clear, but have a few scratches, and I want to keep them in good condition. Any suggestions?? I've got a West Marine gift certificate that I could use this upcoming weekend at their store in Bellingham. :confused:

[waclark57]

Meguire's #10 and #17. Use the 17 to clean and the 10 to polish. You can get this at most any automotive parts store which should save you some money. I find that many products that are targeted at marine use come with a higher price tag than the same products for cars or RVs.

[Go Aweigh2452]

My camper back installer recommended MerMaids plexiglass cleaner and so does Somesailor...

http://www.reddenmarine.com/site/images/MERMPC016-lrg.jpg

The stuff is easy to use and apply and wipes off leaving a very clean sheen...

[Randygh]

Doug--Where do you purchase the MerMaids plexiglass cleaner and polish?

[Go Aweigh2452]

I bought it at Fisheries Marine Supply in Seattle... Here is the link: http://www.mermaid.com/ Maybe call WM and ask if they have some there? Their site does not show Fisheries as a carrier for the product so maybe the site is not up to date or maybe you can call their 1-800 # and ask for a local contact? I bought the 16oz size spray for about $10.25...

[Tedster]

For simple cleaning and conditioning you can also use PLEXUS. WM has this too.

[SomeSailor]

My canvas guy recommended mermaid. Good stuff.

[Papa Charlie]

We used the Mermaid stuff. We have a little polisher that we purchased from Harbor Frt that we use to finish it off. Works pretty good.

[toukow]

I bought it at Fisheries Marine Supply in Seattle... Here is the link: http://www.mermaid.com/ Maybe call WM and ask if they have some there? Their site does not show Fisheries as a carrier for the product so maybe the site is not up to date or maybe you can call their 1-800 # and ask for a local contact? I bought the 16oz size spray for about $10.25...

Are their prices at the website out of line? I ordered the gallon for $33 plus whatever shipping but never priced it locally. Recommended by L&T Canvas up at Laconner. Don't know your experience but the dilution ratio was not high enough and took a lot of rinsing. I've since cut it more than recommended which is great as it goes farther.

[Go Aweigh2452]

I bought it in the spray bottle all ready to go so no dilution required. I have no idea what the price would be off the website verses what I paid at Fisheries. You can order a free sample from the website and try it out. I gave my sample size away to someone who wanted to try it... (Fishers had a bunch of free samples). I will normally wash the outside with a little saltaway and boat soap water and a micro cloth then rinse, let dry then use the Mermaids spray. I spray on the Mermaids, wipe it onto the strataglass and let it haze then wipe off with a clean micro cloth. For inside, I just use the Mermaids spray and let haze and dry with another micro cloth. Whole process takes a few mins...

[Randygh]

In preparation for our upcoming trip in 2 weeks, I applied 303 Aerospace protectant to my camper canvas. Prior to using, I read the directions which stated it was ok to use the stuff on clear plastic. Hmmmm. Being a cheap basta, errr, frugal individual, I tried some 303 on a smal area of the clear vinyl. Worked great. I did both sides of all the clear vinyl windows. I sprayed and wiped the window areas. Let dry for a few minutes and buff out with many clean soft rags. The Admiral just converted one of my work sweatshirts into a rag so I cut it into 8" squares that I used to buff out the clear vinyl. I don't see any streaking and if it works as well on the clear stuff as it does on the canvas, I'll be very pleased.