4
Chapter 8
4. In a separate container, measure only the amount
of gelcoat you will need. Mix a ratio of 2% ratio of
catalyst to the amount of gelcoat being used ( a
spoonful of gelcoat will require only a drop or two of
catalyst). Do not pour any unused portions of the
gelcoat/catalyst mixture back into either original
container.
5. Apply gelcoat to area leaving a slight lift above the
surface.
6. Cover the area with wax paper. It will help the
mixture to set up faster.
7. Remove wax paper and shave off any extra gelcoat
with a razor blade.
8. After the area is shaved smooth, start with the 400,
600, and finally 1000 grit sand papers.
9. Buff the area with compound, polish and a finish
wax. You may notice a difference between the repaired
area and the original finish due to the natural
weathering process.
CANVAS
Boat canvas is in most cases subjected to more severe
punishment than practically any other type of material.
Moisture, dirt and chemicals from industrial fallout, heat,
ultraviolet rays and salt water are all factors which accel-
erate the deterioration of your boat canvas.
These elements can cause serious damage if left un-
checked.
The boat top and other canvas supplied on your Regal
boat are manufactured from top quality materials to pro-
vide you with years of trouble free service. The following
information on the care, cleaning and proper storage of
the fabrics and fasteners that make up your marine can-
vas is being provided to help you maintain the appear-
ance and ease of operation.
Sunbrella is used on most Regal tops, aft curtains, camper
enclosures, bow tonneaus and cockpit covers. Sunbrella is
a woven fabric made from 100% solution dyed acrylic fi-
ber. It is color fast and will withstand long term exposure
to the sun (ultraviolet rays) without excessive fading.
Sunbrella is a woven fabric. Even though it is treated with
water repellency some “misting” through the fabric is typi-
cal. With new canvas, the greatest potential for leakage is
through the sewn seams. Because Sunbrella and the long
term thread used is synthetic, the holes created by sewing
will not swell up and seal when exposed to water as cotton
does. Usually the movement of the fabric in use will move
the fibers enough to seal the holes. You may apply Apseal
or Uniseal to the seams to speed up this process.
When the canvas is new, the fit will normally be tight. It is
designed this way because Sunbrella stretches as it ages.
The initial tight fit allows for a suitable fit for the life of the
canvas. The Sunbrella fit will vary slightly in the heat, cold,
and rain.
SUNBRELLA CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Sunbrella should be cleaned regularly before substances
such as dirt, roof particles, etc., are allowed to accumulate
on and become embedded in the fabric. The fabric can be
cleaned without being removed from the boat. Simply brush
off any loose dirt, hose down, and clean with a mild solu-
tion of natural soap in lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly
to remove soap. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS! Allow
to air dry.
For heavily soiled fabric, remove the top from the frame.
Soak the fabric in a solution that has been mixed to the
following proportions.: 1/2 cup of Clorox bleach and 1/4
cup of Ivory or Lux soap (liquid or soap) per each gallon
of lukewarm water. Allow the fabric to soak until the bleach
has killed the mildew and the stains can be brushed out
with a common kitchen scrub brush. Rinse the fabric thor-
oughly in cold water to remove all the soap. This may re-
quire several rinsings. Incomplete rinsing can cause dete-
rioration of sewing threads and prohibit the fabric from
being properly retreated. Allow the fabric to dry completely.
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