Pink discoloration on vinyl

Tashmoo

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I did a search on the site and found a few references to my problem but nothing more than that. Does anyone know what the pink discoloration is that appears on the vinyl seats and bolsters? I have seen this before on one of my other boats and now it has attacked one of my seats this past week.

There were a few comments that indicated that the problem was a regional one in the North East. Do not know for sure but would like to know what it is?

More importantly has anyone figured how to get rid of it?
 

grady33

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I believe the pink stains are caused by some sort of mold that grows under the vinyl. I have seen this in showers before and cleans up easily with a mildew remover. Try some vinegar and water first. I did see this mentioned on the Grady-White Boats web site a few years back but could not find it when I checked just now.
 

JeffN

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When I had my cushions redone a few seasons ago I asked the guy making them about this. He, like Tashmoo, said that it was mold. The problem is that it is coming from the inside of the cushion, the mold is growing on the backing of the vinyl. He said the backing on the higher quality material does not do that. I went with his recommemdation and have had not pink stuff - yet. On the pervious set I could clean the pink off at first but it became a losing battle in short order.
 

striped bass

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My aft port bolster drips pink water on the transom seat when water gets behind the bolster. Some discoloration does occur at times on the bolster. My solution has been aggressively to clean the vinyl with vinyl cleaner and a layer of protectorant every several weeks and the problem is greatly reduced. It will not go away entirely but at least I am slightly out in front of the problem.
 

JeffN

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When I opened my old cushions the backing was a felt like material all pink at that point. On the new cushions the vinyl has a mesh backing. If you redo them this might be the way to go.
 

Tashmoo

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Thanks, I think that I will contact GW is see what they have to say on the topic. I will report back on my findings.
 

capeguy

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When I bought my 99 sportsman in 2003, it looked like pink/purple stains from berries on the cushions. Brought in to my dealer (I didn't buy from him) and GW replaced all cushions as it was a defect in the material. Not sure if thats what you have, but have the dealer look at it.
 

mskulick

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A Marine surveyor told me this can be caused by certain types of suntan lotion and or sunscreen. I have a smallish stain on my transom seat and one inside the cabin on the fiberglass surface, as though someone leaned back and got it on there. He said "Good luck removing that." No one he knows has ever been able to....
-Mike