MAINTENANCE
PAGE
CLEANING FIBERGLASS SURFACES
Fiberglass surfaces should be cleaned
regularly. Normal accumulations of
surface dirt can be removed simply by
occasional rinsings with water. If you
operate your boat in salt water, more
frequent rinsing will be required. To
remove stubborn dirt, grease or oil, use
a mild detergent and a soft brush. Rinse
with fresh clean water. Avoid the
plexiglass companionway slider,
windshield, deck hatches and fixed ports
when using a deck brush, since these
surfaces can scratch.
It is a good idea to wax the fiberglass
once or twice a year to maintain a deep,
glossy appearance. Your local marine
supply should be able to provide an
appropriate wax.
EXPLOSION/FIRE HAZARD
Cleaning agents and paint ingredients
may be flammable and/or explosive,
and dangerous to inhale. Be sure to use
adequate ventilation, and appropriate
safety clothing (gloves, safety glasses,
respirator, etc.)
CLEANING ACRYLIC
Use only mild soap and water to clean
acrylics. Do not use products containing
solvents such as ammonia, which is
found in many window cleaners.
Use care when cleaning acrylic.
Dry cloth and many glass
cleaners will scratch. Solvents
will attack the surface.
SAIL CARE
Sunlight is a sail’s worst enemy, so cover
the mainsail when not in use. An
ultraviolet guard, fitted down the leech of a
roller headsail will protect the exposed part
from the weathering effect of the sun and
from dirt and grit.
Mildew, can be prevented by storing sails
dry and by hand washing twice a season.
Check all sails regularly for chafe,
particularly where they chafe on deck fittings
or rigging, at reef points, batten sleeves and
the foot of the headsail. Sail batten pockets
should be inspected on a regular basis.
To stow the mainsail, start at the leech and
flake it onto the boom, left and right, in about
18-in. (46 cm) folds, while pulling the leech
aft. Secure with a sail tie and continue to the
luff. Lash to the boom with sail ties or shock
cord.
GENERAL HARDWARE MAINTENANCE
Check all fittings regularly to be sure
screws are tight. Occasionally lubricate
(use silicone lubricants) all moving parts
on such fittings as blocks, turnbuckles
and cam cleats, as well as the locking
pins of snatch blocks, track slides,
spinnaker poles, etc. Inspect cleat and
fairleads for roughness and smooth with
fine-grained emery paper if necessary.
Also, replace any missing or damaged
cotter pins in turnbuckles and shackles,
and either tape them or use them or use
protective covers manufactured for that
purpose. Grease winches a minimum of
once yearly.
WINCH MAINTENANCE
Follow the maintenance instructions
prescribed by winch manufacturer.
We recommend a minimum of an
annual cleaning and light greasing.
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