M - 4 FIBERGLASS CARE & MAINTENANCE
Fiberglass is affected by weathering processes and re-
quires maintenance on a periodic basis to help maintain
the beauty and shine. The effects upon the gel coat will
be dependent upon boating conditions, storage, type of
use, and the care given to the boat during the boating
season.
Waxing decks, cockpit floors or other areas on
which one walks is not recommended. Waxing
will produce a very slippery surface, especially
when wet. Wax may also build-up in the
non-skid surfaces. Be sure all persons wear
deck shoes while aboard the boat. Footing will
be improved and feet will be protected from ac-
cidental cuts and bruises.
A. General Maintenance
For fresh water use, the boat should be washed once or
twice a month. When using in a salt water environment,
considerable more care will be necessary. Be careful
when selecting a cleaning agent. Hand dishwashing
NOTICE
DO NOT use any carnauba based wax. The
gel coat will be permanently discolored.
detergents are usually gentle and are recommended for A darkening or discoloration of the non-skid surfaces
cleaning gel coat. Cleaning products such as Ivory or can sometimes occur as a result of wax buildup. Expo-
Dawn hand dishwashing liquid can be safely used. Al- sure to the sun and elements can turn the wax darker, or
ways read the label before using any product.
occasionally can cause it to become flaky or powdery.
To remove, use fine rubbing compound and a low RPM
buffer (1200 to 2000 RPM). Apply light pressure and
keep the buffer moving at all times to prevent heat build
up. Read the directions before using any equipment.
NOTICE
DO NOT use acetone, paint thinner, solvents,
or strong alkaline based detergents, nor clea-
ners with a “gritty” and abrasive texture. Avoid
products which contain sodium phosphate.
Common examples of these types of household
cleaning agents are: Tide, Oxydol,Janitor-in-a-
Drum, Fantastic, Clorox, etc. Always read the
label before using an agent.
B. Weathering Effects on Gel Coat
Weathering occurs from direct sunlight, water, chemi-
cals, and dust. Some of the terms below describe the
changes that can occur to the gel coat surface.
There are several products available which are specifi- Chalking is a result of the gel coat’s top surface being
cally designed to clean fiberglass exterior finishes. Many broken down into an extremely fine powder. When this
companies like Johnson & Johnson, Turtle Wax, etc. happens, the color whitens. The chalk is present on the
manufacture cleaning fluids mild enough to clean with- surface only.
out stripping the wax.
Fading is the uniform change in color. This happens
NOTICE
when the actual pigments have changed color, espe-
cially from excessive chalking, or when the gel coat has
either been stained or bleached by something.
Treading on a soiled fiberglass surface can se-
verely scratch and mar the finish. Keep the fi-
berglass as clean as possible.
Yellowing is gel coat which has a yellow cast and strea-
When cleaning non-skid areas, DO NOT attempt to use king usually deals with a stain or contact with another
a wire brush or sandpaper because this will remove the
surface.
non-skid gel.
Gloss refers to the shine of the surface. This can change
Apply wax once a month to maintain gel coat lustre and from sanding action, chalk, residues, or exposure.
prevent fading or chalking. Read the label before using
any product. Make sure product is applicable to fiber- Blistering refers to a condition in which the unprotected
glass. Refer to the brochure on gel coat care in your gel coat surface below the waterline has absorbed wa-
owner’s packet. Also, consult a Four Winns dealer for ter and formed bubbles. See Section M-5 for additional
his recommendations.
information.
Vista Owners Manual
10/93
Section M
Page 2
| Categories | Four Winns Manuals, Outboard Marine Corporation Manuals |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 1998, 1999 |
| Download File |
|
| Document Type | Owner's Manual |
| Language | English |
| Product Brand | Boats and Cruisers, Four Winns. For support contact your dealer at http://www.fourwinns.com/locate-dealer.aspx |
| Document File Type | |
| Publisher | fourwinns.com |
| Wikipedia's Page | Outboard Marine Corporation |
| Copyright | Attribution Non-commercial |
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