washing detergents are usually gentle and are
recommended for cleaning gel coat. Cleaning prod-
™ ™
ucts such as Ivory or Dawn hand dish washing
liquid can be safely used. Always read the label
before using any product.
Waxing decks, cockpit floors or other walking
areas is not recommended. Waxing will
produce a very slippery surface, especially
when wet. Wax may also buildup in the skid-
resistant surfaces. Be sure all persons wear
deck shoes while aboard the boat. Footing will
be improved and feet will be protected from
accidental cuts and bruises.
NOTICE
DO NOT use acetone, paint thinner, solvents,
or strong alkaline based detergents, nor
cleaners with a “gritty” and abrasive texture.
Avoid products which contain sodium
phosphate. Common examples of these types
A darkening or discoloration of the skid-resistant
surfaces can sometimes occur as a result of wax
buildup. Exposure to the sun and elements can turn
the wax darker, or occasionally can cause it to
become flaky or powdery. To remove, use fine
rubbing compound and a low rpm buffer (1200 to
of household cleaning agents are: Tide
™
,
,
Oxydol
™
, Janitor-in-a-Drum , Fantastik
™
™
Clorox , etc. Always read the label before
™
using an agent.
2000
moving at all times to prevent heat build-up. Read
the directions before using any equipment.
rpm). Apply light pressure and keep the buffer
There are several products available which are
specifically designed to clean fiberglass exterior
finishes. Many companies like Johnson & John son
®
,
Turtle Wax , etc. manufacture cleaning fluids mild
®
enough to clean without stripping the wax.
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.
NOTICE
Treading on a soiled fiberglass surface can
severely scratch and mar the finish. Keep the
fiberglass as clean as possible.
Chalking is a result of the gel coat’s top surface being
bro ken down into an extremely fine pow der. When this
happens, the color whitens. The chalk is present on
the surface only.
When cleaning skid-resistant areas, DO NOT attempt
to use a wire brush or sandpaper because this will
remove the skid-resistant gel.
Fading is the uniform change in color. This happens
when the actual pigments have changed color,
especially from excessive chalking, or when the
gel coat has either been stained or bleached by
something.
Apply wax once or twice a year to maintain gel coat
lustre. Read the label before using any product.
Make sure product is formulated for gel coat surfaces.
Also, consult a Four Winns dealer for their recom-
mendations.
Yellowing is gel coat which has a yellow cast and
streaking usually deals with a stain or contact with
another surface.
NOTICE
Do not use carnuba based waxes. This type
of wax yellows over time and makes the
fiberglass appear yellow.
Gloss refers to the shine of the surface. This can
change from sanding action, chalk, residues, or
exposure.
Blistering refers to a condition in which the unpro-
tected gel coat surface below the waterline has
absorbed water and formed bubbles. See Section
P-5 for additional information.
Follow the ensuing instructions for boats that have
weathered and chalked.
Fiberglass & Hull Information - Section P
Owner’s Manual Page 144
| Categories | Four Winns Manuals, Four Winns V-Series Manuals |
|---|---|
| Tags | Four Winns V475 |
| Model Year | 2011 |
| 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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