SAILFISH 245 DC |
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Discolored areas are very shallow in
depth, literally right on the surface.
The discoloration may be removed
by gently wet-sanding the affected
areas only by using 600 grit, wet
or dry specially treated waterproof
sandpaper. It’s important to always
sand in one direction, this includes
the curves too. Use plenty of water
to cool and clean the sandpaper
and cut back on dust. After you are
finished sanding, dry the areas and
verify all the discoloration has been
removed. If not, repeat the process.
After all the discoloration has been
removed, the area will need to be
buffed. Using an electrical or pneu-
matic buffer, buff at low speed (1750
rpm – 2250 rpm), this will restore
the luster to the sanded surface.
Using a generous amount of rubbing
compound, apply it in a circular
motion with a soft wool pad. When
buffing has been completed, wash
off the rubbing compound with
clean water, and dry the surface.
To restore the gloss to the affected
area, use a high-grade marine or
automotive wax.
Repairs
During the life of your boat, some
damage to the gel coat surface is
unavoidable. We recommend repairs
done by trained, experienced profes-
sionals at your local marine dealer.
Scratches
If the scratch is in the gel coat
surface, not penetrating the fiber-
glass, use an automotive polishing
compound and rub it out. Apply the
compound by hand using a damp
rag or by using a power buffer. The
scratch may not entirely disappear,
but it should be noticeably better.
Gouges and Chips
Our recommended patching
procedure is to first clean the area
needing repair with an acetone
solvent to remove all traces of wax
and oil. Next, thoroughly mix one
tablespoon of “Patch Paste” with
two or three drops of catalyst on a
scrap piece of cardboard.
Apply the mixture to the pit, chip
or gouge with a single-edge razor
blade, matching the surface and
contour of the area being repaired.
Apply slightly more mixture to avoid
having to fill the damaged section
a second time. Allow the patch to
harden thoroughly for a minimum of
two to three hours.
Using a fine grit “wet or dry” sand-
paper on a sanding block, wet-sand
the patch until it is level with the
surrounding surface. Finish with a
marine or automotive rubbing com-
pound using the same approach as
used for the scratches.
Refinishing
For a severely scratched or weath-
ered fiberglass boat that is no lon-
ger restorable by using the previous
methods, it may then be necessary
to refinish it with two-package or
two-part aliphatic urethane enamel.
This can be done very effectively,
but it is recommended refinishing
should only be done by experienced
professionals.
OWNER'S MANUAL - GEL COAT (CONT.)
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