FAQ`s
1. Why do we need Nautex Premium? Why are breathable boat-cover fabrics necessary?
Moisture in and on the boat leads to corrosive damage and the formation of mildew. Nautex Premium products enable moisture to escape through the fabric. The boat, instruments and even the boat cover stay protected. This means Nautex Premium protects the boat, contributes to preserving the value of the boat, and reduces necessary cleaning!
2. According to your information, Nautex Premium qualities work better, the higher the temperature. But what happens in autumn and winter when temperatures stay around freezing point?
It’s true that breathability is reduced at low temperatures. But you should also remember that most moulds grow best at temperatures between 20° and 37° and cannot grow at temperatures around freezing point. So, as soon as the winter thaw sets in and moisture levels rise, breathability starts to increase again.
3. You emphasise protection against mould. Nevertheless, what circumstances contribute to the release of spores?
Improper treatment! For instance, when the tarpaulin is packed away and stored when wet. Or when the boat is additionally covered with a plastic sheet.
4. What can we expect from Nautex Premium qualities as opposed to traditional qualities in view of the new European Chemical Regulation (REACH) restricting or banning the future use of fungicides?
Fungicide-free folding boat covers without water-vapour permeability would become mouldy very quickly; Nautex Premium qualities, however, hardly or not at all.
5. Do the water-vapour permeable functional coatings of the Nautex premium qualities pose any health risks?
No. Similar fabrics are used, for instance, in babies’ nappies.
6. How long is the functional coating active? When does the effect start to become reduced?
The water-vapour permeable coating works for as long as the coating itself lasts.
7. Can the breathable coating be affected by detergents?
Yes of course, just like any other coating or impregnation. All detergents have a bleaching affect and thus attack coatings and impregnations. For this reason SATTLER exclusively recommends cleaning with water or a mild soapy solution.
8. Are Nautex premium qualities resistant to seawater and seagull droppings?
Of course Nautex materials are resistant to seawater and also dirt repellent. Seagull droppings are, however, specially aggressive (contain phosphoric acid) and can thus under some circumstances be damaging. But this applies to all sorts of materials.
9. The dew point lies at around 7 C° - 8 C° and is almost always reached on most waters except for a few weeks during the year. Is breathability restricted by this?
No. What is crucial for breathability is the surface temperature of the tarpaulin, which at a dew point of 7 – 8° plus sunlight, is higher than the air temperature. For example: cold and wet mornings = damp in the interior. The interior dries out by midday as temperature increases, in contrast to traditional materials.
See also question 2
10. Is the water-vapour permeability negatively affected by dirt?
No.
11. What should one look out for in particular during processing?
Exposed areas (possible chafe marks) have to be reinforced. Attention must be paid to the different contraction and expansion behaviours of the warp and weft directions. It is recommended to produce a test cover to become familiar with the material.
12. What kind of coating technology is used with the Nautex Premium qualities?
SATTLER AG has developed a world-wide unique coating which is top secret. SATTLER procures the required chemicals as an exclusive customer and has patented the production process.