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products such as Ivory or Dawn hand dish washing
liquid can be safely used. Always read the label
before using any product.
NOTICE
DO NOT use acetone, paint thinner, sol vents,
or strong alkaline based deter gents, nor
clea ners with a "gritty" and abra sive tex ture.
Avoid prod ucts which contain sod ium phos-
phate. Common examples of these types
of household cleaning agents are: Tide
Oxydol
, Janit or-in-a -Drum
™
Clorox
, etc. Al ways read the label before
™
using an agent.
There are several products available which are spe-
cifically designed to clean fiberglass exterior finishes.
Many companies like Johnson & John son
Wax
, etc. manufacture cleaning fluids mild enough
®
to clean without stripping the wax.
NOTICE
Treading on a soiled fiberglass surface can
se vere ly scratch and mar the finish. Keep the
fiberglass as clean as possible.
When cleaning nonskid areas, DO NOT attempt to
use a wire brush or sand paper because this will re-
move the non-skid gel.
Apply wax once or twice a year to maintain gel coat
lustre. Read the label before using any product. Make
sure prod uct is formulated for gel coat surfaces.
Also, consult a Four Winns dealer for their recom-
mendations.
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 recom m ended.
Waxing will produce a very slip pery surface,
especially when wet. Wax may also buildup in
the nonskid surfac es. Be sure all persons wear
deck shoes while aboard the boat. Footing will
be improved and feet will be protect ed from
accidental cuts and bruises.
Fiberglass and Hull - Section P
,
™
, Formula 409
,
™
™
, Turtle
®
A darkening or discoloration of the non-skid surfac-
es can sometimes occur as a result of wax build up.
Expo sure to the sun and elements can turn the wax
darker, or occasionally 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 direc tions before
using any equipment.
B. Weathering Effects on Gel Coat
Weathering occurs from direct sunlight, water, chemi-
cals, 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
bro k en down into an extremely fine pow d er. When this
happens, the color whitens. The chalk is present on
the surface only.
Fading is the uniform change in color. This hap pens
when the actual pig ments have changed color, espe-
cially 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 expo-
sure.
Blistering refers to a condition in which the unpro-
tected gel coat surface below the waterline has
absorbed water and formed bubbles. See Sec tion P-5
for additional information.
Follow the instructions below for boats that have
weathered and chalked.
1. Wash.
2. W ax. If this does not work, then use a fine rubbing
compound. If this does not work use 400 or 600
wet or dry sandpaper, followed by fine rubbing
compound and wax.
When using wax or fine rubbing compounds, make
sure to read the label and follow the direc tions. Some
helpful tips are as follows:
Owner's Manual Page 120
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