CARE AND MAINTENANCE
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EXTERIOR
Use quality boat care product when protecting the exterior of your ATX boat. The
exterior of your boat is as important as protecting the engine. A little effort today
will keep your boat looking good in the future and show the pride every time you
use your boat.
WARNING
FIRE/EXPLOSION/ASPHYXIATION HAZARD
Cleaning agents and paint ingredients can be flammable and/or explosive, or
dangerous to inhale. Make sure ventilation is adequate, wear proper per-
sonal protection and dispose of tags properly ashore.
Vapors from flammable solvents can cause fire, explosion or asphyxiation re-
sulting in death or serious injury. Keep open flame or spark away from work
area. DO NOT paint unless in a well-ventilated area.
WARNING
SLIPPERY SURFACE HAZARD
Cleaning craft surfaces can generate slippery conditions which can result in
death or serious injury. Use caution when cleaning with detergents and rinse
thoroughly.
Gel Coat Maintenance
Regular maintenance will keep your exterior surfaces in good condition. Ex-
posure to the sun, sand, sap or staining properties from trees and minerals in the
water affect your boat’s finish.
To help maintain the shine of your boat, wash the hull with a mild biodegrad-
able, non-abrasive detergent after each use to help to remove any debris and
waterborne materials. Use a soft sponge or towel and dry with a chamois cloth
to prevent water spots. Give your boat a fresh water wash after saltwater use.
Cover if possible to keep you boat looking its best. Never place a non-breath-
able cover on a boat that is still wet. Store in a dry, covered area.
Remove any unintentional fuel or oil spills from the gel-coated surfaces as
quickly as possible.
Wax the hull sides and deck at least twice a year with a high-performance
marine wax. Waxes and polishes can be obtained from your ATX Dealer or a
marine supply store. Always follow the directions of the manufacturer of these
products before you use them.
In certain areas, sudden changes in temperature can affect gelcoat. When plan-
ning on moving your boat from outdoors to a heated location, allow the change
of temperature to be gradual. Heat the location after the boat is brought inside
to allow the boat to change temperature slowly as the location is heated. Also, if
you are planning on moving your boat from a warmer area to a colder one, wait
for the outside temperature to be closer to the warmer area’s temperature or
allow the warmer area and the boat to cool down before moving your boat.
If your boat’s gelcoat develops a chalky look over a period of time due to
exposure to sun, there are gelcoat buffing and polishing compounds available
from your ATX Dealer or a marine supply store. DO NOT use common house-
hold scouring pads or powders.
Remove any small scratches or scuffs using a fine rubbing compound. For any
major repairs, consult your ATX dealer.
The hull bottom is also an important area to keep clean since buildup of water
scum and algae will reduce the boat’s efficiency. If you leave your boat in the
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