Sunbrella vs Stamoid in the Florida sun

It's been a few years since I've spent time in South Florida, but I had a gray Sunbrella bimini up there for over 6 years without problem. The boat was used every day and it was continually washed and folded back often. Never had a problem. It held its color, but again it was gray. I would question going with dark blue in Florida however as it will attract heat and may also fade. I can't comment on Stamoid there. I know probably what you do about it. It's light, easy to work with and looks good, but it gets stiff and feels cheap. After it's been stowed for a period I expect it to crack as I unfold it, but haven't experienced that happening. I have found that grommets and snaps tear out of Stamoid easier, and I'm not sure how repairs are done on it, if they can be. Canvas can be sewn and patched.

Stamoid can be repaired and stitched (must use Tenara!). The biminis on my boat (see avatar) are 10 years old. Imar makes a protective cream that really helps, though I have to say I only used it onc on the bimini; we have a stamoid cover for the front bow bench that is likewise 10 years old, takes a lot of sun, and green water too. Boat spent a lot of time in FL, and summers in NC. By "flybridge cover do you mean the bimini top? Not sure I'd go with dark blue for that. Not going to argue with someone who might want to try heavy Sunbrella, great stuff (again make sure it is sewn with Tenara). I just think the Stamoid looks sharper and can't argue with the longevity in my case.

The craftsmanship of the fabricator is probably the biggest X factor. Mine were done by Lighthouse Canvas in Middle River Md. We've had other canvas guys on board for miscellaneous work, such as replacing zippers or fabricating screens and they all remark on how well they were made.

The EZ2CY enclosures on the aft deck are also set in Stamoid and it is really excellent for that.

I don't know why you're replacing tops/canvas twice in 6 years. You should be getting close to 6 years out of either material easily, unless you're using the wrong boat soap and cleaners on them which usually is the case. Do not use a bleach product/cleaner on Stamoid. Sounds like you need to educate your boat washer.....

I manage/maintain yachts in Fort Lauderdale, FL and have a lot of experience with both. The Sunbrella in dark blue is hotter than hot and noticably hotter than say the dark beige color. After about 3 years, the Sunbrella will start leaking water through it (bimini top etc) and an application of the Starbrite waterproofing agent once a year will seal it, but you have to do it once a year. Sunbrella will last a tad longer than Stamoid overall IMO.

Stamoid is a great material and lasts a long time. My experience with it is in both white and black. The white can be a little difficult to keep bright white. But it's a great material. The IMAR cleaner (hard to locate) does work great in keeping it clean, if not Krud Kutter from Home Depot works but can be a little tough on the stitching like Spray nine can be (don't use on Stamoid). The spray protectant from IMAR I've found to be a waste of time. But the IMAR stamoid wax/creme, works great and helps the longevity out. Both are good products, the cleaner and the wax. For a Bimini you can go either way (Sunbrella or stamoid), but for cushion covers I much prefer the stamoid for ease of removal and folding and the weight factor..... I also use stamoid for windshield covers (solid).

Sunbrella is not going to breathe and navy will be a lot hotter than the stamoid you're replacing. On a boat like a 50' Searay with a navy Sunbrella bimini/enclosure, it's a good 20 degrees hotter inside of the enclosure than Sunbrella khaki color or Stamoid white/tan. I know, I manage both identical boats.....One has a Navy Sunbrella Bimini/enclosure.....the other had Sunbrella tan, then switched to Tan Stamoid and white stamoid on back cover and sides. I've You'll be much better off using stamoid and properly taking care of it. The Sunbrella will be far heavier and a royal pain to remove and store. ALL of the boats I manage are in the hot South Florida sun year-round and in direct sunlight all of the time, and I'm getting at least 5 good years out of stamoid on ALL of them.

What boat soap are you using to wash the boat and how often? What type of washdown brush? What are you using to clean the stamoid?

The Imar stuff I am referring to comes with a little sponge pad applicator. And only clean Stamoid with a vinyl cleaner (preferably the Imar Stamoid).

Sunbrella comes in lighter weights and I find it very good for covering the flying bridge benches and chairs. Use 303 fabric protectant to "seal" it after any cleaning.

I get my Imar products from these guys, a really good source for a lot of obscure quality stuff you won't find at West Marine, and they really know Stamoid and fabrics in general:

Scalise Marine - Internet Ship's Store :

Dawn and Orpine together, not harsh? Very harsh actually. Try the Aquatech boat soap. It takes black streaks off and does a great job and isn't concentrated ammonia like Orpine. The Imar stamoid cleaner and a magic eraser work well, then the Imar wax works wells also.....I have found the Imar Strataglass spray protectant is near useless......

Just joined and thanks for the info on the two products. I am on the Cheseapeake Bay and my Sunbrella already looks tough in just two seasons. I may take a look at this Stamoid.
Good info

I have a full F/B length white Sunbrella bimini and enclosure on my 45 Viking Sport Cruiser. Cleaning it is a pain but otherwise it has held up well. Discolored now, kinda grey but otherwise is fine. 6 years old.

Mine is in good shape but the molding action is crazy. Mine is also white and shows everything. I have hit it with the 303 put at best it looks whitish gray.

Canvas company in West Palm told me not to scrub the Sunbrella. Soak it in Dawn/water overnight in a garbage bag and all the grime will soal out. Worked pretty well but not perfect. Better than scrubbing which had little effect

I will try that for sure. Like all things when we first got it the boat looked great even up close but now I hate sitting under it. I will give that a try this weekend. I'll let you know.

Stained or mildewed Sunbrella should be washed with bleach. Clorox Cleanup or equivalent is excellent for day to day cleaning. Here is a link to their cleaning guide:

Care and Cleaning: How to: Sunbrella fabrics

Yes, magic eraser will damage the gelcoat and the vinyl (and sunbrella of course which is highly susceptible to abrasion)

Magic eraser is a hard hard micro abrasive. Its the equivalent of wiping your gelcoat with Brillo or a rough polishing pad. it will haze the coating.

We had a Stamoid cockpit cover made for our sf. It was white and very hard to clean. The third time it was wind damaged we gave up and trashed it.

For a cockpit cover.....the Sunbrella is way too heavy to deal with.