Scratches; Gouges & Cracks - Four winns Horizon 210 Owner's Manual

Striking docks, other boats, or submerged ob-
jects could create a very hazardous situation or
severely damage the fiberglass. In the event an
object is struck below or near the waterline, pro-
ceed directly and cautiously to the nearest ser-
vice facility and remove the boat from the water.
Closely inspect the hull for damage. If the outer
fiberglass laminate was penetrated, repairs must
be made prior to relaunch.
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 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.
Horizon & Sundowner
Owner’s Manual
06/00
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% immedi-
ately 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 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,
“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.
Section P
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