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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 do 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, anti-fouling
paint, etc. from the immediate area. DO NOT ex-
cessively 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
before, during, and after the repair.
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 mixing 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.
Vista Owners Manual
10/93
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
4 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,
"matching" 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 avail-
able. A fiberglass 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.
C. Osmotic Blistering
Osmotic blistering or "boat pox" is an unfortunate but
not uncommon occurrence in fiberglass boats. Fiber-
glass is water retardant, not waterproof. When a boat
is left in the water for a period of time, the fiberglass will
absorb water. It is a natural process that can not be
eliminated in production methods or material selection
and usage. However, there are ways to control and
possibly prevent blisters (see Section M-6). If you do
encounter blisters, be assured that the blisters are
merely cosmetic. They do not indicate a defect in the
boat structure or lamination. Four Winns, along with
most boat manufacturers, regard gel blisters as a stan-
dard maintenance item.
Section M
Page 4
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