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SimTex Vinyl.

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JsnMR2

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Hello everyone.


Im about to pick up my new 2017 2250 GPD which the dealer is rigging up right now.


I stopped by to see it, and noticed the new vinyl that Bennington is using for 2017. To be quite honest, I was a little off put when I saw it. It looks sort of like fabric.... A little lower end if you will.


Anyone know anything about this Simtex Vinyl? They have a 125k Malibu on the floor with the same stuff on it...


Does if stain or hold onto dirt easily? It looks like it's going to be a chore to keep clean on a lighter color. 


Any insight would be great. I'll post pictures when I get home. Maybe I'm over reacting because its just not what I was expecting.


It does seem like it would stay cooler under the sun. 
 
I believe you have the 1st 2017.
 
I'm seeing a lot of boats for sale at dealers with the stuff when I google it. On some Q series boats as well it looks like. 


Im sure they made the change for a reason. 


Maybe someonec from Bennington can chime in?


You can see and feel what seem like fibres (like fabric) rather then it having a smooth finish like the old Vinyl or like leather. 


Aside from the look, in concerned about that texture or the fibres holding onto dirt on a light grey material.
 
I saw it at Annapolis and talked to the Bennington rep. Initially when I first saw it earlier in the year, I was a little surprised as I'm used to the boat "vinyl" of the past what, 30-40 years. Yeah improvements in touch, texture, but still same old vinyl. After talking to him and actually checking it out, I'm now sold on it, ESPECIALLY, when he said it's cooler and you won't leave sweat on it like you do regular vinyl. Clean with 303 just like the others. It seems like it might be more wear resistant than regular old vinyl. I did notice many other boats, including $800K on up were using similar type vinyl, so it must be good stuff. 
 
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I wonder... Being that it seems to have fibres and is not 100% smooth, how it'll hold up to traping dirt, food, and especially red wine?


I was also curious how you would clean/protect it. Use vinyl protectant (like on the vinyl of old) or fabric protectant (like you use on the Bimini and Mooring cover)?


Ive got 128 oz bottles of all of the 303 products sitting here and want to make sure before I apply. 


Thanks for the post SemperFi
 
Awaiting verification from a source on cleaning product usage. Will update when they get the info.
 
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photos?
 
We have that on our 2016 2575 QSB.  We were upset when we first saw it on our toon.  We too were afraid cleanup would be an issue, however cleanup is awesome, stays cooler and doesn't sweat your skin when laying on it.  We use the 303 protectant and the 303 cleaner.  Looks as good as when it was brand new.
 
SEMPERFI8387 said:
Awaiting verification from a source on cleaning product usage. Will update when they get the info.
Click to expand...

Manufacturer's product page.


http://spradlingvinyl.com/catalog-colors/Simtex


Care and cleaning guide for SimTex Softside vinyl.


http://www.rexpeggfabrics.com/uploads/pdfs/CareClean-1.pdf


Manufacturer's care guide for products treated with Permablok3.


http://spradlingvinyl.com/assets/docs/resources/PERMABLOK3cleaningguideSII.pdf


Approved cleaners.


http://spradlingvinyl.com/assets/docs/resources/Permablok3%20Approved%20Cleaners%20SII.pdf


Available on Ebay, pretty spendy at $22/yard.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spradling-Simtex-Plata-Softside-Marine-54-Vinyl-Mildew-UV-Resist-/391117663349?hash=item5b106dec75:g:v2sAAOSwv0tVNUNB


Obviously I have way too much time on my hands. Had knee surgery on Monday and have to say crutches suck.
 
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Maynard G. Krebs said:
Manufacturer's product page.


http://spradlingvinyl.com/catalog-colors/Simtex


Care and cleaning guide for SimTex Softside vinyl.


http://www.rexpeggfabrics.com/uploads/pdfs/CareClean-1.pdf


Manufacturer's care guide for products treated with Permablok3.


http://spradlingvinyl.com/assets/docs/resources/PERMABLOK3cleaningguideSII.pdf


Approved cleaners.


http://spradlingvinyl.com/assets/docs/resources/Permablok3%20Approved%20Cleaners%20SII.pdf


Available on Ebay, pretty spendy at $22/yard.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spradling-Simtex-Plata-Softside-Marine-54-Vinyl-Mildew-UV-Resist-/391117663349?hash=item5b106dec75:g:v2sAAOSwv0tVNUNB


Obviously I have way too much time on my hands. Had knee surgery on Monday and have to say crutches suck.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Maynard!!
 
drose01 said:
We have that on our 2016 2575 QSB.  We were upset when we first saw it on our toon.  We too were afraid cleanup would be an issue, however cleanup is awesome, stays cooler and doesn't sweat your skin when laying on it.  We use the 303 protectant and the 303 cleaner.  Looks as good as when it was brand new.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that feedback. 

Have you had any run in's with red wine on the seats? Obviously I hope that never happens, but I am still curious. 
 
 
Well, I guess I will be the odd man out.  We HATE it!  It feels cheap!  We have it in our new boat (2016) that we just turned 160 hrs.  I find it no different in hotness or stickness in the summer than the soft touch vinyl (we also have a 2014 Benny with the soft touch vinyl) and have found it collect dirts and sweat more than the soft touch vinyl.
 
I just ordered a new 24sfx, The spec sheet still lists the soft touch vinyl, Do they just use smite on higher end models?
 
myv10 said:
I just ordered a new 24sfx, The spec sheet still lists the soft touch vinyl, Do they just use smite on higher end models?
Click to expand...

I just saw a 2017 S series they have on the lot that still has the soft touch vinyl. They must be putting it only on the G series and up.

I still personally like how the soft touch vinyl looks better. My wife prefers this new SimTex aesthetically . 
 
JsnMR2 said:
I just saw a 2017 S series they have on the lot that still has the soft touch vinyl. They must be putting it only on the G series and up.

I still personally like how the soft touch vinyl looks better. My wife prefers this new SimTex aesthetically . 
Click to expand...

No, it's available. I saw 4 S models at Annapolis show with new vinyl. 
 
Hi,


We finally were about to order out new R series after two years of research.  (We have a speed boat).  Had it all dialed in and was just finalizing colors and floor.  We happened to stop into a dealer who had just gotten some 2017's in.  When I looked at it it felt like I got punched in the stomach.  It was the first time I saw the Simtex.  I dont know anything about it, but I do know that I do not like it.  I'm really disappointed.  We were so excited to order ours, but Im afraid this is a deal breaker for us.  


Maybe it will grow on me, but for now I have to wait.  Either they will go back to soft touch vinyl or I start looking at other manufacturers.  This really sucks.  I not trying to offend anyone who has ordered this.  It may be the next best thing.  Im sure it is more durable and maybe they switched to have less warranty issues.  We are very meticulous about our interiors and we would never have any problems with regular vinyl. I wish they would have made this optional.  
 
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