Scratches; Gouges & Cracks - Four winns FREEDOM Owner's Manual

Occasionally, blisters, crazing, scratches, or damage to
the fiberglass can occur. Repairs may be necessary to
correct the problem.
A. Scratches
Scratches occur during normal use. Below is a step by
step procedure to repair scratches.
1. Clean area with soap and water.
2. Apply a fine rubbing compound and buff.
3. Wax.
If this does not work, clean the area and sand lightly with
400 to 600 wet or dry sandpaper and follow with rubbing
compound and wax.
B. Gouges & Cracks
Stress cracks and crazing are the appearance of hairline
cracks in the gel coat surface. When present, these prob-
lems usually occur in the gel coat finish or the outer "skin
coat" fiberglass laminate. The appearance of these cracks
does not pose a threat to the structural integrity of the
boat. In most cases, they are cosmetic and can be treated.
Cosmetic surface damage can be repaired as follows:
1. Sand the surrounding area with medium or fine grit
sandpaper. Clean all marine growth, dirt, antifouling
paint, etc. from the immediate area. DO NOT exces-
sively scratch or gouge the surrounding area.
2. Use a hard, pointed tool to open the gel crack. Take
care not to damage the surrounding gel coat.
3. Sand the crack or gouge so the edges are smooth
and will allow proper "feathering" of the area.
4. Clean the area thoroughly. Make sure the area is dry
before proceeding.
NOTICE
Be sure the structure and the ambient tempera-
ture are above 60 degrees F (15 degrees C) and
the relative humidity below 70% immediately be-
fore, during, and after the repair.
Freedom™/Horizon™ Owner's Manual
5. If the nick or gouge is deep and penetrates through
the gel coat, fill the area with fiberglass patching
paste. Follow the directions on the can when mix-
ing the paste with the catalyst.
6. After the gouge is filled and has dried, sand the
patched area. Begin by using medium-fine grade
sandpaper. Progressively use finer grade sandpa-
per until the surface is very smooth. If necessary,
add filler and then sand the surface again.
7. Apply two or three light coats of matching fiberglass
gel coat to the repaired area. Enough gel coat should
be used so that the entire area is covered.
The gel coat must be catalyzed using up to 2% MEK
Peroxide which can be purchased at a supplier han-
dling fiberglass reinforced products. Contact your
Four Winns dealer for assistance.
8. After ample drying time, sand the area using very
fine wet/dry sandpaper. If the appearance of the area
is still not satisfactory, repeat steps 2 through 8 as
necessary.
9. If above the waterline, polish the area using a fiber-
glass rubbing compound and then wax. If the re-
paired area is below the waterline, the area should
be primed and painted in accordance with the anti-
fouling paint manufacturer's instructions.
Gel coat, like paint, will change colors with time and
exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet). For this reason, "match-
ing" gel coat obtained from Four Winns may not match
the gel color of a boat that has been exposed. However,
this is the closest match commercially available. A fi-
berglass technician can tint the gel to be used in the
repair to provide a closer color match.
More severe fiberglass damage, especially when struc-
tural, requires the expertise of an experienced fiberglass
repair technician. See your Four Winns dealer for as-
sistance.
NOTICE
Improper repair techniques can lead to further
fiberglass component damage.
Section P
Page 4