COSMETIC CARE
MAINTENANCE is the key word
in
keeping your hull and deck surfaces
in
good-looking
condition. As with an automobile, atmospheric pollution, sun, tree residue, coatings from
water and other factors will dull your finish.
To help maintain the lustre of your boat, hose down your hull after each use. This will
help to remove any debris and water-borne materials that have accumulated on your hull
during use.
Regularly wash your boat with mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid
or
boat washing
formula available at marine supply stores. Use a soft sponge or towel, just as you would
do
with your car, and dry with a chamois cloth to prevent water spots.
The bottom is an especially important area
to
keep clean since any build-up of the natural
coatings from water will create drag and reduce the boat's efficiency.
Wax and polish the hull and bottom periodically as you would a car. Fiberglass waxes
and polishes are available at marine supply stores. There are so many products that we
can only give general recommendations. You will discover your own favorite brands and
remedies. There is a wealth of valuable information on the labels of products that you
purchase. Read them carefully BEFORE you purchase them and if you decide
to
use
them, FOLLOW the instructions.
If you must leave your boat
in
the water, there are compounds
to
remove algae build-up
on your hull. Some
of
these can be caustic, and you should pay special attention
to
the
cautions on the label. If your finish DOES develop a chalky look over a period of time
due to exposure to sun, there are fiberglass compounds available at marine supply stores
with varying degrees of abrasiveness. (You should definitely use products specifically
formulated for fiberglass.) After the use of these products, a reputable fiberglass polish
is highly recommended.
DO
NOT USE ANY TYPE OF COMMON HOUSEHOLD SCOURING PADS
OR
SCOURING
POWDERS SUCH AS THOSE USED
FOR
CLEANING SINK BOWLS AND THE LIKE. YOU
WILL PUT FINE SCRATCHES
IN
YOUR FINISH THAT WILL RESULT
IN
A DULL
APPEARANCE AND WILL TRAP DIRT.
UNLESS YOU HAVE EXPERTISE
IN
GELCOAT DAMAGE REPAIR, DO
NOT
TRY TO
EFFECT REPAIRS SUCH AS CRACKS OR HOLES YOURSELF. INSTEAD, TAKE YOUR
BOAT TO YOUR DEALER
OR
TO A REPUTABLE FIBERGLASS REPAIR PERSON. THE
GELCOAT AND THE GLASS BENEATH CAN BE REPAIRED SO THAT THE DAMAGE
IS
NOT NOTICEABLE. BUT
MAKE
SURE
THAT
FIBERGLASS REPAIRS ARE EFFECTED
QUICKLY. FAILURE TO MAKE REPAIRS TO DAMAGED FIBERGLASS CAN LEAD TO
SERIOUS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE.
8.1
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