STACER boat - General Maintenance & Repairs; Your Engine; Cabin and Top Side Areas; Windscreens

Welcome
General Maintenance & Repairs
In addition to instructions found elsewhere in this
manual and in the literature specific to certain
components, the following information is provided for
general maintenance and repair.
Because conditions vary widely in different areas
and the frequency and type of use can differ greatly
between owners, intervals for maintenance are not
listed here. Use the appropriate engine owners’
manual and common sense to determine the
frequency of maintenance. Your vessel will require
maintenance to insure the condition of your vessel
doesn’t deteriorate. For specific engine usage,
maintenance and repair guidelines refer to the
appropriate outboard owners’ manual.
Your Engine
If you use your boat infrequently, it is advisable
to buy a freshwater engine flushing connection
appropriate to your particular engine. Turn the hose
on, then when water is coming through the tell-tail,
start the engine and run it for a few minutes. This
will flush away residual salt and keep the motor in
good shape.
A common cause of outboard failure is a blockage
in the fuel supply, or contaminated fuel. If operating
off a carry tank fuel supply and the motor simply
sputters out, check two things first.
Ensure the tank has not been placed on a section of
the hose pinching it closed.
If you have the type of tank that requires it, make
sure the cap is ventilating properly.
Many models are set up in the factory with a water
separator, which takes care of water in the fuel.
This can be caused by something as simple as
condensation in the tank. If using carry tanks,
familiarise yourself with the position of the small
filter fitted to the engine. Cleaning this will often get
you underway again.
Because water sinks to the bottom of a fuel tank,
placing the carry tank on an angle - or parking the
boat on an angle in the case of underfloor fuel tanks
- causes all the water to collect in the lowest corner
of the tank. A syphon pump can then be used to
remove all of the water.
Contaminated fuel is rare, but it is advisable to
understand its implications.
Cabin and Top Side Areas
Check your entire boat from time to time. Check
bow rails, ladders and grab rails for loose screws,
breaks, sharp edges, etc., that might be hazardous.
Check inventory and inspect life jackets for tears
and deterioration. Check signaling equipment.
Inspect anchor, mooring and towing lines and repair
or replace as required. Do not stow wet lines since
mould and mildew may result.
Windscreens
Salt and brackish water are capable of etching
and damaging windscreens and windows. Keeping
windows clean is the best preventative measure
to take. When window cleaning, flush with fresh
water only. Exercise caution when cleaning windows
because they can scratch easily.
Note the following instructions:
• Usegenerousamountsoffreshwatertowashoff
dust.
• Usebarehandswithplentyofwatertodislodge
any caked dirt.
• Useasoft,grit-freeclothorsoft,cleansponge.
• Neveruseglasscleaningsolutionsordusters,as
they will scratch the surface.
• Donotusesolventssuchasacetone,kerosene,
benzine, carbon tetrachloride, fire extinguisher
fluid, dry cleaning fluid, lacquer thinner or any type
of cleaning product containing these items, since
they will attack the surface.
• Whenfinished,rinsewithfreshwateranddrywith
a clean, damp chamois using a blotting action.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel railings and fittings should be
cleaned with neutral soap and water. Because
irreversible pitting will develop under rust that
remains on stainless steel for any period of time,
it is best to remove rust spots immediately with a
chrome cleaner. Then coat the railing or fitting with
a good car or boat wax. Never clean with mineral
acids or bleaches. Also, do not allow stainless steel
to come into continuous contact with iron, steel
or other metals which could cause contamination
leading to rust or corrosion.
Seats
Please ensure you regularly remove all seats from
floor positions and clean thoroughly. Seats may
seize or bind if permanently left in place.
The seats fitted to your vessel are rated to 75kg
passenger weight.
Fabrics
Prior to cleaning any fabric, we suggest testing the
cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area.
Vinyl tops and upholstery can be cleaned using
a neutral soap and water solution. Vinyl cleaners
and conditioners are not recommended for use on
upholstery. To prevent rainwater seepage at the
seams, a coating of Scotch Guard can be applied on
the inside of the vinyl top.
Mildew can occur if the boat does not have adequate
ventilation. Heat alone will not prevent mildew. If
mildew does occur, it can often be removed using
a solution of hot water and laundry bleach (as per
manufacturer’s instructions). Brush the solution into
the affected area, leave for 10 to 15 minutes and
rinse with plenty of fresh water. If possible, the vinyl
top parts of your boat should be stored indoors in a
fairly warm, dry place. This will greatly extend the life
of the material. Dry cleaning should be considered
for interior fabrics other than vinyl.
Canopy/Bimini Care
Our canopies and biminis are made from 100%
solution dyed acrylic fibre that has a fluorocarbon
finish for excellent water repellence. Canopies and
biminis should be cleaned regularly. The fabric can
be cleaned without being removed from the frame.
Simply brush off any loose dirt, hose down and clean
with a mild natural soap in lukewarm water. Rinse
thoroughly to remove soap. Do not use detergents.
Hull, Paint Service and Warranty
To maintain the appearance and value of your boat,
it is necessary to perform regular maintenance
using the proper procedures. Always maintain your
boat in compliance with any pertinent environmental
pollution control regulations. Carefully select the
products to be used for washing etc., to be sure
they do not contain corrosives. If in doubt contact
your authorised dealer for assistance.
Oxidisation
Aluminium reacts naturally with the environment
and produces a protective coating called oxide. This
process is called oxidisation. Salt and moisture are
very common causes of oxidisation in boats and is a
normal reaction.
In a painted boat, this reaction can cause the paint
to bubble and flake off in areas throughout the boat
where the paint seal has been broken and allowed
moisture to enter. This is only a cosmetic reaction
and will not affect the boat structurally.
WARNING
Do not place vessels in salt or chlorinated pools.
WARNING
Insure canopies and bimini are stowed before
trailing the vessel. Towing the vessel with the
canopy or bimini in the up position could affect
the vessels warranty.
Instruments and Gauges
When instruments are exposed to a saltwater
environment, salt crystals may form on the bezel
and plastic covers. These salt crystals should
be removed with a soft, damp cloth; never use
abrasives or rough, dirty cloths to wipe plastic parts.
Neutral household detergents or plastic cleaners can
be used to keep the instruments bright and clean.
WARNING
The seats or lounges are not to be stood on,
or used as steps to enter or exit the boat. This
practice could cause injuries to the boat occupants
and also damage the seat and or fabric.
16 Owner’s Manual 17