World Cat 280DC-X - 7.2.3 Repair; 7.3 Bottom Paint

2020 World Cat 280DC-X Owner’s Manual
34
Chapter 7: Maintenance and Service
7.1 Overview
This chapter provides basic informaon for maintaining the original appearance and dependable
performance of your World Cat. Although your vessel is constructed of the nest materials available, the
harsh saltwater environment and other factors, including geography and usage rate, will aect its nish and
funcon over me. It is imperave that you understand how to care for your catamaran properly. Some
simple steps will help maintain its aesthecs, value, and reliability.
7.2 Gelcoat Maintenance
Gelcoat is a thin layer of resin mixed with colored pigments, which provides the exterior nish on your boat.
Gelcoat provides a smooth durable surface to protect the berglass construcon of the hull, but is sll
exible enough to absorb the pressure exerted upon it during operaon. Mainly used for cosmecs, gelcoat
is relavely simple to maintain. However, without roune cleaning, it will discolor due to the microscopic
pores in the surface. Following are some instrucons for maintaining your gelcoat.
7.2.1 Cleaning
Aer each trip on the water, or aer trailering long distances, you should clean the boat immediately.
Washing the boat with mild detergents, such as dishwashing soaps, and fresh water will help eliminate build
up or discoloraon resulng from environmental pollutants. Use a sponge or other so cleaning device on
the smooth exterior surfaces of the hull and deck. A so brush can be used when cleaning nonskid porons
of the deck. Make sure to rinse the boat thoroughly aer cleaning.
7.2.2 Waxing
Similar to automove nishes, gelcoat will begin to fade over an extended period of me. Constant exposure
to environmental pollutants and this aging process will result in a loss of shine. However, it is possible to
restore the original luster and color using a polishing compound (mild abrasive) or a rubbing compound
(harsh abrasive). Each will remove scratches, discoloraon, and help restore weathered gelcoat surfaces but
you should select what to use based on the severity of the problem.
Use the following steps to restore the nish of your gelcoat.
Note that these procedures assume a moderate level of experse of the person performing the work. If there is any
doubt about ability to successfully accomplish the procedure, for best results it may be best to turn the process over to
a professional.
• Clean the aected area completely using a mild detergent.
• Gently wet sand the aected area using a ne sandpaper (600 grit) to remove any stains. Use plenty
of water and always sand in one direcon using curved strokes. Sanding in alternang direcons
could result in damage to the nish.
• Apply polishing compound to a bung pad and follow the manufacturers instrucons. If you apply
the compound mechanically, we recommend a lamb wool bung pad and a electric buer capable of
1750 to 1800 RPM.
• When you have completely bued the area, wash away any remaining compound using clean water.
• Aer thoroughly cleaning the surface, wax the aected area. This will help restore the nish and
provide a seal against future discoloraon.
!!! CAUTION
Using strong or causc cleaning agents, such as bleach, citrus based cleaners, or one containing
ammonia, will damage the appearance and strength of your gelcoat.