Marquis 420 Sport Coupe Owner's Manual page 100

M
aintenance
Gelcoat repair
Gelcoat Blisters
hull Bottom
Underwater Metal Components
6
Cosmetic repair of minor gelcoat nicks and scratches is not difficult nor does it
require the use of special or unique tools. Any yacht owner with a little practice
can make visually satisfying repairs. Repairs to fiberglass laminates or
structural fiberglass components are best left to the experienced technicians at
your Marquis Dealer.
A gelcoat repair kit is available from your Marquis Dealer (Marquis part
number 82036-03). This kit includes color matched gel, gel hardener and
detailed instructions on making gelcoat repairs.
While fiberglass is a durable and economical material, it is not
indestructible. The most commonly known problem associated with
fiberglass is blistering. These blisters generally form in the gelcoat or in
the outer most layer of laminate. They can range in size from microscopic
to two inches or larger in diameter.
The appearance of fiberglass blisters does not indicate structural problems
or faulty hull lamination. Gelcoat blisters form through a natural process
and are quite common. If you discover blisters on the underwater portion of
your yacht's hull, contact your Marquis Dealer.
The underwater portion of your yacht's hull is coated with a high-quality,
factory-applied coat of anti-fouling bottom paint, applied after the hull has
been carefully prepared. The paint has a high copper content and anti-
fouling elements that retard the growth of marine life on the bottom of your
yacht's hull. The anti-fouling elements in this paint have a limited life span,
usually from one to three years, depending on how and where you use your
yacht.
Inspect the hull bottom once a year. If you see gelcoat showing through
the bottom paint, repaint the hull. Be sure to use a paint that is compatible
with the factory-applied paint. Failure to do so can void your bottom paint
warranty. Also make sure the paint is formulated for the type of water you
operate the yacht in. See your Marquis Dealer for assistance in selecting an
appropriate bottom paint.
To prepare the hull bottom for painting, lightly sand the existing paint with
80 grit to 100 grit sandpaper. Remove all dirt and sanding residue from the
hull. Apply the new paint using a sprayer. This will give you the smoothest
coating and the best hull efficiency. If you wish to apply a second coat,
allow the first coat to dry before proceeding.
The underwater portion of your yacht's hull has been carefully prepared,
primed and coated with a high-quality, anti-fouling bottom paint at the
factory. However, the underwater metal components, including the shafts,
struts, propellers, trim tabs and thru-hull fittings, were NOT primed or
painted at the factory. You are responsible for priming and painting all of
the underwater metal components. Use a high-quality primer and anti-
fouling paint. Reprime and repaint these components whenever bare metal
is visible.
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S 7
ection
3837 • U3 10/07