Fiberglass Care & Maintenance; General Maintenance; Weathering Effects On Gel Coat - Four winns FREEDOM Owner's Manual

P - 4 FIBERGLASS CARE & MAINTENANCE
Fiberglass is affected by weathering processes and re-
quires maintenance on a periodic basis to help maintain
the beauty and shine. The effects upon the gel coat will
be dependent upon boating conditions, storage, type of
use, and the care given to the boat during the boating
season.
Four Winns utilizes fade-fighting gel coat in the exterior
finish. It is specially formulated to resist fading and yel-
lowing, and retain more of its original gloss than better
grade gel coats. However, it is still important to maintain
the gel coat to protect the finish.
A. General Maintenance
For fresh water use, the boat should be washed once or
twice a month. When using in a salt water environment,
considerable more care will be necessary. Be careful
when selecting a cleaning agent. Hand dishwashing de-
tergents are usually gentle and are recommended for
cleaning gel coat. Cleaning products such as Ivory™ or
Dawn™ hand dishwashing liquid can be safely used. Al-
ways read the label before using any product.
NOTICE
DO NOT use acetone, paint thinner, solvents, or
strong alkaline based detergents, nor cleaners
with a "gritty" and abrasive texture. Avoid prod-
ucts which contain sodium phosphate. Com-
mon examples of these types of household clean-
ing agents are: Tide™, Oxydol™, Janitor-in-a-
Drum™, Fantastik™, Clorox™, etc. Always read
the label before using an agent.
There are several products available which are specifi-
cally designed to clean fiberglass exterior finishes. Many
companies like Johnson & Johnson®, Turtle Wax®, etc.
manufacture cleaning fluids mild enough to clean without
stripping the wax.
NOTICE
Treading on a soiled fiberglass surface can se-
verely scratch and mar the finish. Keep the fi-
berglass as clean as possible.
When cleaning nonskid areas, DO NOT attempt to use a
wire brush or sandpaper because this will remove the
nonskid gel.
Freedom™/Horizon™ Owner's Manual
Apply wax once or twice a year to maintain gel coat
lustre. Read the label before using any product. Make
sure product is applicable to fiberglass. Also, consult a
Four Winns dealer for his recommendations.
NOTICE
Do not use carnuba based waxes. This type of
wax yellows over time and makes the fiberglass
appear yellow.
Waxing decks, cockpit floors or other areas on
which one walks is not recommended. Waxing
will produce a very slippery surface, especially
when wet. Wax may also buildup in the nonskid
surfaces. Be sure all persons wear deck shoes
while aboard the boat. Footing will be improved
and feet will be protected from accidental cuts
and bruises.
A darkening or discoloration of the nonskid surfaces can
sometimes occur as a result of wax buildup. Exposure
to the sun and elements can turn the wax darker, or oc-
casionally can cause it to become flaky or powdery. To
remove, use fine rubbing compound and a low rpm buffer
(1200 to 2000 rpm). Apply light pressure and keep the
buffer moving at all times to prevent heat build up. Read
the directions before using any equipment.
B. Weathering Effects on Gel Coat
Weathering occurs from direct sunlight, water, chemicals,
and dust. Some of the terms below describe the changes
that can occur to the gel coat surface.
Chalking is a result of the gel coat's top surface being
broken down into an extremely fine powder. When this
happens, the color whitens. The chalk is present on the
surface only.
Fading is the uniform change in color. This happens when
the actual pigments have changed color, especially from
excessive chalking, or when the gel coat has either been
stained or bleached by something.
Yellowing is gel coat which has a yellow cast and strea-
king usually deals with a stain or contact with another
surface.
Gloss refers to the shine of the surface. This can change
from sanding action, chalk, residues, or exposure.
Section P
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