my opinions are the black mesh ones are less taut than vinyl, no they dont get hot in the summer, yes they are easier to keep clean, they are wetter but drain faster. i imagine righting would be easier with mesh. my biggest problem with mesh is 'carpet burn' when i scoot around on my knees mainly while racing. black would look great on a blue boat. i used to have vinyl, now i have black mesh. i would probably go to vinyl again next time (white for my yellow boat) because of extra firmness and no burns but both have advantages.