SimTex Fabric Issue

[Vikingstaff]

I’m am ordering my first Bennington in the next 2 weeks. I have read many of the posts above, and other threats about the simtex fabric.
That being said, I can pic any color upholstery.
What color would you recommend for keeping it the cleanest, and hiding/preventing stains. I’m most worried about the sunscreen stains.

Advance congratulations!

Have you read through some of the threads about sunscreen, and what some of us use without issues? Worthwhile based on what you posted. We have a 2017 with Simtex. We do not have ANY sunscreen stains. Really no stains at all. Our fabric has faded a bit over time, but it’s done so evenly. You wouldn’t know unless you had a side by side item that has not been on the boat with the fabric.

That said, we do try to keep things tidy, so that certainly helps! We also restrict certain foods/drinks on the boat. However, there is still such a wide range of things that don’t pose any potential risk that we allow on the boat that its never been an issue for anyone.

Anyway, there is a nice range of sunscreens that don’t seem to give anyone any issues. The non-oil based stuff seems to do really good. We don’t use any “spray” style ones on the boat, but we certainly use them lakeside before getting on the boat. We rarely sit on towels, and only if the seats are extra hot due to temps. So, although a small few have had issues, I’d dare say the majority of us take a few minor precautions and are just fine after many, many years of use.

Although I LOVE the lighter color fabrics, they do concern me more for potential staining and scuffs. Likewise the really dark colors look cool and sporty, but I always wonder about high summer temps on darker fabrics - even with the newer stay cooler aspects of them. We went with a “boring” tan fabric color to hide dust, any dirt or sand, and other minor things. So we went with something practical in that regard because we knew we would entertain a lot and have guests a lot. It’s worked well for us.

 

[WolfLakeMN]

Thanks for the advice. I’ve done some more research since I posted this last night. And I learned that the M series actually has regular vinyl with Simtex accents.
Does that change anyone’s opinion on what color to get???
I believe they call it veneto vinyl.

 

[Jack M]

The regular vinyl will also stain from sunscreen and other things

 

[Vikingstaff]

Thanks for the advice. I’ve done some more research since I posted this last night. And I learned that the M series actually has regular vinyl with Simtex accents.
Does that change anyone’s opinion on what color to get???
I believe they call it veneto vinyl.

I am not yet familiar with the Vento vinyl. However, it’s not an old school traditional vinyl. Hence, I would not consider it “regular vinyl”.

My understanding is it’s a newer soft touch vinyl, nicer to the touch than the Simtex (which I already like A LOT MORE than older traditional boat vinyl). It is supposed to be cooler in hotter temperatures, but I have no data or first hand knowledge. Since it is new, it will be hard to get any meaningful feedback on it until we get deep into this upcoming summer, or beyond, with user experiences. In theory, it should provide a better range of comfortable use for darker color seating in hotter temperatures.

As for staining, I believe the same concerns prevail across the board. So think about colors in that regard, as well as house rules for what is allowed on the boat, if that remains a major concern.

 

[WolfLakeMN]

Appreciate that. Buying a boat that’s a new model is very difficult. We don’t even have any demo models or examples up here in Minnesota yet.
My dealer can’t get a hold of our rep. We have lots of questions and it’s kind of been a nightmare.
I feel bad for my dealer because it’s not his fault. But I did reach out to a dealer in Texas, who has been great answering my questions.