1) Gelcoat
All the glassfibre reinforced polyester (GRP) of
the hull, deck, superstructure and other com-
ponents, is covered by a pigmented layer of
gelcoat where the laminate is exposed to abrasion,
a wet atmosphere or sunshine. The thin layer of
the gelcoat has, itself, no strength. Nevertheless
the gelcoat is an important member of the complete
GRP construction, in that it provides an essential
protection of the laminate against penetrating
moisture and demolishing ultra-violet rays.
At the same time, the gelcoat has the cosmetic
effect of giving the surface a sparkling colour,
which is, of course, a must to obtain the right
appearance.
To keep the protective effect as well as the nice
appearance, the gelcoat should be carefully main-
tained. Look at the gelcoat in the same way as
you look at the enamel of your car, and you will
realize the importance of careful treating.
Every now and then - at least once a year - all
gelcoat should be Washed down by using soap
and water and eventually a detergent specially made
for GRP-boats. After cleaning, the surface should
be waxed and polished, using a wax specially made
for the particular purpose.
Small scratches which are no deeper than the
gelcoat layer itself, i.e. there is still gelcoat left for
protecting the laminate, can be rubbed down to
obtain the glossy look before polishing.
Heavier scratches which will expose the colourless
laminate and the glassfibre itself should be repaired
as soon as possible. The area near the scratch must
be sanded carefully, and a putty made of gelcoat of
the original colour and a filler is used. After the
putty
has hardened, the area has to be rubbed and
polished. Your FJ ORD representative will be
helpful in carrying out repair work like this.
2) Anti-fouling
The MS 33 is delivered with a protective coat of
black anti-fouling applied to the bottom. Before
applying the anti-fouling, the bottom is covered by
an etching primer surface specially made for
GRP boats.
We have experienced, however, that without regard
to the care with which the primer and the antifouling
are applied at our yard, it is impossible to guarantee
that the primer has been able to etch completely
through the microscopic layer of wax or release
agent which might stick to the gelcoat after the
moulding process. Thus, it might happen that –
during the first season -the anti-fouling will loosen
over a limited area.
If it is discovered, after hauling the boat, that some of
the bottom gelcoat is exposed, the area should be
sanded before a new layer of primer surfacer and
anti-fouling are applied. Most manufacturers of marine
coatings are able to furnish an up-to-date etching
primer for GRP, and we recommend the use of a non-
metallic anti-fouling. Just take care to follow the
instructions for the specific paint used.
On FJORD MS 33, anti-fouling is applied up to a
line marked out in the gelcoat itself, clearly visible.
Located slightly above the deepest possible waterline,
this limiting line of the anti-fouling will ensure that
you always have anti-fouling above the actual water-
line, which is desirable.
It is usual to apply the bottom paint on all under-
water metal surfaces except for the propeller shaft
and propeller. If your local waters demand the fitting
of zinc anodes to protect against galvanic effects,
these anodes must NOT be painted.
3) Deck fittings and hardware
A damp and salty atmosphere is very demanding
on all chromium plating, stainless steel and anodized
aluminium if the surfaces are going to resist the tough
chemical attacks. On all FJ ORD boats, only the
highest quality of fittings and hardware are used.
Nevertheless it cannot be avoided that miscolouring
might appear because of some sort of oxidation. All
the metal fittings on deck should, therefore, occasio-
nally be washed down with household cleaner, waxed
and polished. The chromium plating and the stainless
steel surface may get a sparkling appearance by using
cleaning liquids developed for the automobile
industry.
When preserving for winter lay-up, all deck fittings
and hardware should be carefully washed and clea-
ned and then covered by a thin layer of acid-free
vaseline or equivalent. A suitable spray with
protective qualities may be used. but be sure that
the protective cover can be easily removed when
preparing for the next season.
4) Woodwork
Teak is used throughout the interior of your
FJORD MS 33. Externally. a careful selection of
teak and the beautiful wood, Iroko, has been chosen.
When varnishing teak-wood - and to some degree
the Iroko as well - special precautions have to be
taken because of the unique composition of oil and
resin in the wood structure. At FJ ORD a special
technique is developed for applying the varnish to
give a smooth, long-lasting finish.
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General