The world of boat cover fabrics can feel a bit like a sea of choices, and the two names you’re likely to come across most often are Aqualon and Sunbrella. Both fabrics have earned their places at the helm with a range of features that set them apart.
Let’s delve deeper into the world of Aqualon and Sunbrella fabric for boat covers, to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
A Brief Comparative Table
| Feature | Aqualon | Sunbrella |
| Material | Vinyl-coated polyester | 100% solution-dyed acrylic |
| UV Resistance | High | Very high |
| Water Resistance | Very high (Waterproof) | High (Water-resistant) |
| Mildew Resistance | High | High |
| Breathability | High | Moderate |
| Colorfastness | High | Very high |
| Durability | High | Very high |
| Handling and Weight | Heavier, stiffer | Lighter, more flexible |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive |
Aqualon Fabric For Boat Cover
So, what is Aqualon?
Manufactured by Trivantage, Aqualon is a coated, heavy-duty polyester that’s long been popular in the world of marine fabric.
The reason?
Its excellent durability, resistance to water and mildew, and impressive color retention.
With its unique vinyl-coated polyester design, Aqualon delivers a superior level of water resistance that will keep your boat dry even in the most challenging conditions.
This fabric is designed to withstand intense UV rays without fading, making it a great choice for sun-soaked climates.
One of the key strengths of Aqualon lies in its breathability.
While this fabric is resistant to water, it also allows moisture from condensation to escape, preventing the build-up of mildew and mold – a common concern for boat owners.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. On the downside, Aqualon tends to be stiffer and heavier than other fabrics, which may make it slightly more difficult to handle and store. Additionally, it may not withstand harsh environmental conditions as long as Sunbrella.
Setting Sail with Sunbrella
On the other hand, Sunbrella, manufactured by Glen Raven Inc., is made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic. A superstar in the outdoor fabric industry, Sunbrella is celebrated for its ability to resist UV rays, mildew, and water, just like Aqualon.
But where it really shines is in its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Sunbrella’s solution-dyed acrylic construction ensures that its vibrant colors last, even when exposed to harsh sun for extended periods. The fabric’s colorfastness makes it a favorite among boat owners who want their covers to maintain a fresh, vibrant look.
Durability is another strong suit for Sunbrella.
This fabric is known for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions without losing its structural integrity.
Sunbrella is also easier to handle and store due to its lighter weight and flexibility.
However, while Sunbrella is resistant to water, it’s not completely waterproof.
For boat owners in areas with heavy rainfall, a waterproofing treatment might be necessary.
Furthermore, Sunbrella tends to be more expensive than Aqualon, which could be a determining factor for budget-conscious boaters.
Key Differences Between Aqualon and Sunbrella
Understanding the key differences between Aqualon and Sunbrella fabric can make your decision easier when choosing a boat cover.
Both fabrics boast their unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s crucial to examine them closely to determine which one matches your boat’s needs the best.
- Material Composition
Aqualon is a vinyl-coated polyester fabric. Its construction involves combining the strength of polyester with the waterproof properties of vinyl.
This gives Aqualon its unique capability to shield your boat from the elements while maintaining a high level of water resistance.
Sunbrella, on the other hand, is made of 100% solution-dyed acrylic. This results in an incredibly robust fabric that maintains colorfastness, even under constant sun exposure.
The acrylic fibers in Sunbrella are dyed before being woven into the fabric, meaning the color permeates the entire material, providing excellent fade resistance.
- Weather Resistance
Both Aqualon and Sunbrella offer exceptional protection against harsh weather conditions, but they do so in slightly different ways.
Aqualon’s vinyl coating provides a robust shield against water penetration, making it ideal for areas with heavy rainfall. It also performs well under UV rays, although its color retention might not be as effective as Sunbrella’s in the long term.
Sunbrella, due to its solution-dyed acrylic construction, is highly resistant to fading, even under intense UV radiation. It’s also resistant to water and mildew, but it isn’t completely waterproof like Aqualon.
So, in areas with significant rainfall, Sunbrella may require additional waterproofing treatment.
- Durability and Longevity
Durability is a key factor for any boat cover material. Sunbrella tends to outshine Aqualon in this department. It’s known for its excellent durability and the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions for many years without losing its structural integrity.
Aqualon, while still durable, may not perform as well as Sunbrella over long periods under severe conditions. The vinyl coating, though providing excellent water resistance, might start to crack over time, affecting the fabric’s overall performance.
- Handling and Weight
Aqualon’s coated polyester design gives it a stiffer and heavier feel compared to Sunbrella. This can make it slightly more challenging to handle when installing or storing the cover.
Sunbrella, being lighter and more flexible, is often easier to manage. This ease of handling can be a significant advantage for boaters who frequently need to install or remove their boat cover.
- Price
Sunbrella is typically more expensive than Aqualon. The higher cost is due to its exceptional durability and colorfastness. While Aqualon still offers excellent value, the cost factor could be significant for those working with a tight budget.
The choice between Aqualon and Sunbrella fabric for boat covers largely depends on your specific needs. Both fabrics offer excellent protection against water, mildew, and UV rays.
If you prioritize breathability and superior water resistance and don’t mind the extra weight, Aqualon might be your go-to. However, if you value durability, ease of handling, and colorfastness, Sunbrella could be a more appealing option, provided you’re prepared for the additional cost.
Also Read: Differences Between Sunbrella And Sun-DURA Fabric Boat Covers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your specific needs. Both Aqualon and Sunbrella offer excellent protection for your boat. If you prioritize breathability and superior water resistance, Aqualon is a good option. If durability, colorfastness, and ease of handling are more important, Sunbrella might be a better choice.
Yes, Sunbrella is an excellent choice for boat covers due to its durability, resistance to UV rays and mildew, and superior colorfastness. However, it’s not completely waterproof, so additional waterproofing treatments may be required in heavy rainfall areas.
Many sail covers are made from either Aqualon or Sunbrella, thanks to their durability and resistance to UV rays, mildew, and water. However, Sunbrella’s colorfastness often makes it a preferred choice for sail covers, given the high level of sun exposure they endure.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it – an in-depth comparison of Aqualon and Sunbrella fabric for boat covers. Whichever fabric you choose, you can set sail knowing that you’ve invested in a quality cover that will protect your vessel for many voyages to come.
Happy boating!
