structural integrity of the boat. In most cases, they
are cosmetic and can be treated. Cosmetic surface
damage can be repaired as follows:
Gel coat, like paint, will change colors with time
and exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet). For this rea-
son, “matching” gel coat obtained from Four Winns
may not match the gel color of a boat that has
been exposed. However, this is the closest match
commercially available. A fiberglass/gel coat tech-
nician can tint the gel to be used in the repair to
provide a closer color match.
1
. Sand the surrounding area with medium or fine grit
sandpaper. Clean all marine growth, dirt, antifoul-
ing paint, etc. from the immediate area. DO NOT
excessively scratch or gouge the surrounding area.
2.
3.
4.
Use a hard, pointed tool to open the gel crack.
Take care not to damage the surrounding gel coat.
More severe fiberglass damage, especially when
structural, requires the expertise of an experienced
fiberglass repair technician. See your Four Winns
dealer for assistance.
Sand the crack or gouge so the edges are smooth
and will allow proper “feathering” of the area.
Clean the area thoroughly. Make sure the area is
dry before proceeding.
NOTICE
Improper repair techniques can lead to further
fiberglass component damage.
NOTICE
Be sure the structure and the ambient tem-
perature are above 60 degrees F (15 degrees
C) and the relative humidity below 70%
immediately before, during, and after the
repair.
C. Osmotic Blistering
Osmotic blistering or “boat pox” is an unfortunate but
not uncommon occurrence in fiberglass boats. Fiber-
glass is water retardant, not waterproof. When a boat
is left in the water for a period of time, the fiberglass
will absorb water. It is a natural process that can not
be eliminated in production methods or material selec-
tion and usage. However, there are ways to control
and possibly prevent blisters (see Section P6). If you
do encounter blisters, be assured that the blisters are
merely cosmetic. They do not indicate a defect in the
boat structure or lamination. Four Winns, along with
most boat manufacturers, regard gel blisters as a
standard maintenance item.
5
. If the nick or gouge is deep and penetrates
through the gel coat, fill the area with fiberglass
patching paste. Follow the directions on the can
when mixing the paste with the catalyst.
6.
After the gouge is filled and has dried, sand the
patched area. Begin by using medium-fine grade
sandpaper. Progressively use finer grade sandpa-
per until the surface is very smooth. If necessary,
add filler and then sand the surface again.
The repair procedure for gel coat blisters is similar
to the procedures outlined in the previous section on
cracks and gouges. There is an exception however, in
that the hull must dry out for several days or possibly
weeks before repairs can proceed.
7.
Apply two or three light coats of matching fiber-
glass gel coat to the repaired area. Enough gel
coat should be used so that the entire area is
covered.
The gel coat must be catalyzed using up to 2% MEK
Peroxide which can be purchased at a supplier han-
dling fiberglass reinforced products. Contact your Four
Winns dealer for assistance.
To determine if the hull has dried sufficiently, tape one
square foot of household plastic wrap securely to the
hull bottom. Make sure all edges are sealed and let it
stand for twenty-four hours. If condensation has ac-
cumulated under the plastic, the hull is still “wet” and
must be allowed to dry longer before repairing.
8.
After ample drying time, sand the area using very
fine wet/dry sandpaper. If the appearance of the
area is still not satisfactory, repeat steps 2 through
8
as necessary.
When the repair is completed, an application of an
epoxy barrier coat should be considered. This will
help prevent the possibility of reoccurrence of blisters.
Your Four Winns dealer or local ship store will have
information on barrier coat products.
9
. If above the waterline, polish the area using a
fiberglass rubbing compound and then wax. If
the repaired area is below the waterline, the area
should be primed and painted in accordance with
the antifouling paint manufacturer’s instructions.
Fiberglass and Hull - Section P
Owner’s Manual Page 119
| Categories | Four Winns Manuals, Four Winns SL-Series Manuals, Outboard Marine Corporation Manuals |
|---|---|
| Tags | Four Winns SL |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| 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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