Plastic Molded - color fade in one year

[Mike Scott]

My M24 series was purchased one year ago in June 2025. The boat is on a lift under cover in our private slip. The boat is covered with factory cover in non-use seasons. As recommended by dealer, we have used dawn detergent and water only for boat washes, zero retail cleaners has been introduced as a cleaner. As noticed in the attached pics, the rear molded plastic panel on the starboard side appears to be turning chalky and fading as the port side has not changed, still has a somewhat satin finish. I’ve went back to purchase day pics and there is a difference but is becoming magnified as time goes on. Has anyone experienced this with the new M24 series? I do not want to add any UV protectants, I think this is a material issue from the factory because you can see the diffidence in the top panel to the lower panel on the same starboard side.

 

[Jack M]

My M24 series was purchased one year ago in June 2025. The boat is on a lift under cover in our private slip. The boat is covered with factory cover in non-use seasons. As recommended by dealer, we have used dawn detergent and water only for boat washes, zero retail cleaners has been introduced as a cleaner. As noticed in the attached pics, the rear molded plastic panel on the starboard side appears to be turning chalky and fading as the port side has not changed, still has a somewhat satin finish. I’ve went back to purchase day pics and there is a difference but is becoming magnified as time goes on. Has anyone experienced this with the new M24 series? I do not want to add any UV protectants, I think this is a material issue from the factory because you can see the diffidence in the top panel to the lower panel on the same starboard side.

Did your dealer have anything to say about it ?
1 year old would be covered by the warranty providing none of the conditions have been violated.

 

[LaurencetheAdventurer]

Why no UV protectors - those front panels take a beating from the sun! My mooring cover does not go very far on the front or sides - it is not clear about yours - any pictures? But, it seems that one side of your Benny is definitely getting direct sun, through the cover or not - I would think the some UV protectors are warranted. Interesting that they are using the RotoMold as exterior surfaces!

 

[lakeliving]

I can’t help with the boat issue but they have been doing this for years in the automotive industry. Almost every vehicle from all manufacturers has black plastic molding in the wheel wells and bumpers and even rocker panels. Here in Florida it fades quickly and looks cheap and terrible in a short time. We recently bought a Buick enclave in the ST trim to avoid the dull grayed out plastic look.

 

[Vikingstaff]

I can’t help with the boat issue but they have been doing this for years in the automotive industry. Almost every vehicle from all manufacturers has black plastic molding in the wheel wells and bumpers and even rocker panels. Here in Florida it fades quickly and looks cheap and terrible in a short time. We recently bought a Buick enclave in the ST trim to avoid the dull grayed out plastic look.

This got me thinking. I used to have a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, that had the panels around the bumpers/wheel wells. I think there were some products bantered about in their forums for “refreshing” them. Maybe talk to an automotive body shop or detailer…or check on some automotive forums where the vehicles have this sort of trim. Might find some great options there.

I also agree with LtA - seems like that one side is probably catching sun at some point in the day on an angle that the other side is not due to lift canopy or what not. If you can find a good product to bring back its color, I agree it would be worth adding UV protection to better protect it. Even when using these products, interiors will fade with time and exposure.

Finally, it is under warranty. Like Jack asked, have you shown it to and shared your concerns with the dealership? Maybe look into warranty options with them initially. Meanwhile, also track sun exposure to rule in or out of that corner is getting hit at some point in the day that other parts of the exterior are not. That way you can take steps to mitigate it in the future once you get this taken care of…