Four winns FUNSHIP - Fiberglass and Hull

Owner’s Manual Page 104Fiberglass and Hull - Section P
1. Avoid working in direct sunlight. This dries out the
wax or compound, and can stain the surface.
2. Use clean pads or cloths to apply a thin coating
of wax or rubbing compound to a small area such
as three feet by three feet. Remove any excess,
andthenrubtheareawithabufngpad,or
power buffer. Apply pressure only as necessary
torestorethesurfacenish.Applyingtoomuch
pressureorbufnginoneplacetoolongcan
permanently damage the surface.
3. After applying compound, always follow with
waxing.
NOTICE
If using a power buffer, use a low RPM buffer
with light pressure. Keep the pad wet and
the buffer moving at all times to prevent heat
build up.
NOTICE
When sanding, DO NOT use a power or belt
sander to prevent gouges, uneven areas, or
other damage. For best results, block sand the
gel coat.
C. Stains
Stains can appear anywhere on the exterior of the
b
oat and may be a result of contact with tar, plant sap,
leaves,rustfrommetalttings,andothermaterials.
Surface stains may be removed with hand dishwash-
ing soap, mild cleansers, or some household deter-
gents. DO NOT use chlorine or ammonia products.
These products can affect the color of gel coat.
Commercial car washes use strong cleaners and
should be avoided.
To remove stains, refer to the procedures below.
1. Wash area with hand dishwashing soap.
2. Begin with a small area such as three feet by three
feet and apply a mild cleanser.
3. Rinse with clean water.
4. Follow with compound and waxing as outlined in
procedure above.
If the stain is not removed by the hand dishwashing
soap or mild cleanser, then the next procedure is to
use either denatured or rubbing alcohol. If this does
not work, consult your Four Winns dealer for profes-
s
ional assistance.
NOTICE
DO NOT use acetone, ketone, or other
solvents to remove stains. These chemicals
are ammable and may damage the gel coat.
P - 5 FIBERGLASS REPAIRS
Fiberglass is one of the most durable, strong, and
forgivingconstructionmaterialsaoat.Itisresilient
and normal repairs can be made without affecting the
strength or structural integrity of the boat.
Striking docks, other boats, or submerged
objects could create a very hazardous situ-
ation or severely damage the berglass. In the
event an object is struck below or near the
waterline, proceed directly and cautiously to
the nearest service facility and remove the
boat from the water. Closely inspect the hull
for damage. If the outer berglass laminate
was penetrated, repairs must be made prior
to relaunch.
Occasionally, blisters, crazing, scratches, or damage
totheberglasscanoccur.Repairsmaybenecessary
to correct the problem.
A. Scratches
Scratches occur during normal use. Below is a step by
step procedure to repair scratches.
1. Clean area with soap and water.
2. Applyanerubbingcompoundandbuff.
3. Wax. If this does not work, clean the area and
sand lightly with 400 to 600 wet or dry sandpaper
and follow with rubbing compound and wax.
B. Gouges & Cracks
Stress cracks and crazing are the appearance of
hairline cracks in the gel coat surface. When present,
theseproblemsusuallyoccurinthegelcoatnishor
theouter“skincoat”berglasslaminate.Theappear-
a
nce of these cracks does not pose a threat to the