Best material for fender covers to protect gelcoat long-term?
I’ve been trying to figure out what actually protects gelcoat the best over time when it comes to fender covers.
I’ve used the typical fleece/poly ones and they seem fine at first, but after a while I’ve noticed they tend to hold salt and grit, and once they get dirty they almost feel a bit abrasive. They also seem to fade pretty quickly in the sun.
From a more technical standpoint, especially from anyone who has done gelcoat work or repairs, I’m curious what material actually causes the least wear over time. Would something like neoprene, being a smoother closed-cell material, reduce micro-scratching compared to fleece? Or is breathability more important to avoid trapping salt and debris?
I’ve been experimenting with a tighter-fitting neoprene style on my own setup and it seems like it stays cleaner and doesn’t move around as much, but I’m not sure if that actually translates to better long-term gelcoat preservation or if I’m overlooking something.
Interested to hear from anyone who’s seen long-term wear patterns or has experience repairing gelcoat.