Elan E4 - Deck Equipment Maintenance

ELAN E4 – Owner's manual
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Sails dislike salt water and sunshine, so whenever you have the possibility, rinse the sails
with plenty of fresh water and dry them completely before folding them.
To protect the sails from UV rays, always cover the mainsail folded on the boom with the
mainsail cover. Remember to relieve outhaul tension before you start folding the mainsail.
Genoa leech and foot already have sewn-on protective stripes that give a complete UV
protection to a furled sail. When leaving the boat for a longer period or after the season,
always remove, fold and store the sails in the sail sacks.
WARNING: DO NOT ever let the sails flatter in the wind while drying as heavy damage
to the stitching and sailcloth may result.
9.5. DECK EQUIPMENT
9.5.1. LIFELINES, PULPITS AND STANCHIONS
Lifelines and other rigging should be checked periodically. The terminal ends should be
engaged properly in the barrels of the turnbuckles and the lock nuts tight. As the lines
stretch, the slack should be taken up.
Stainless steel hardware can now and then show signs of rust that should be removed using
a non-chlorinated rust remover or a stainless steel polish. Rinse the equipment with fresh
water and grease turnbuckles every year.
9.5.2. WINCHES AND BLOCKS
The winches should be cleaned and inspected before you go sailing. Check that the holding
bolts are tight. Blocks require little maintenance, except for periodic washing in fresh water
and a light oiling with a silicone lubricant.
9.5.3. ANCHOR WINDLASS
Rinse the anchor locker and windlass with fresh water when you have the possibility. Clean
and grease the rotating parts with the water resistant grease at least once a season. The
internal parts of the windlass do not require maintenance for at least three seasons.
9.5.4. TEAK
A teak deck is exposed to sunlight and heat and salt water. If exposed to UV rays, it begins to
put on a grey appearance and loose its original color. Scrub the teak deck, always across the
grain of the wood with fresh water and a mild detergent several times a year and let it dry
out. Then apply teak oil. Some teak treatments are not compatible with original. We
recommend SIKA Marine Teak Deck Maintenance System according to recommendations.