Hunter H31 Operator's Manual page 169

Waxing helps protect your boat from everyday elements.
Use a wax recommended for fiberglass (gelcoat) finishes.
Many automatic, over-the-counter waxes can be used.
Check the product label for recommended surfaces and
applications.
14.2.3 Color Fading and Yellowing
Darker colors are more prone to fading because they
absorb more of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Whites and off-
whites will yellow, usually on the deck radii. If the finish
on your boat has started to fade or yellow, and waxing
will not restore the finish, compounding with a fine grit
compound and a low speed buffer may be necessary.
An automotive, fine grit rubbing compound will work well
in most cases.
* Follow the manufacturer's application instructions. Do
not apply compound or wax in direct sunlight.
* Never place the buffer in such a manner that the pad
touches the ground. The pad will pick up dirt which will
cause deep scratches in the finish.
* After compounding, clean the surface with soap and
water. Apply a good coat of wax.
14.2.3 Minor Scratches
If you have light surface scratches and rubbing compound
does not remove them, wet sanding may be necessary.
** To wet sand:
* Clean the area with soap and water. During sanding,
try to keep the area free of dust and dirt.
* Use a 500 or 600 grit wet and dry sandpaper. Use a
sanding block. Sandpaper and sanding blocks can be
purchased from automotive supply stores.
* When sanding, keep the surface wet. On dry surfaces,
press a wet sponge above the sanding area. Always
keep the sanding block flat on the surface. Never use
the edge or corner. Doing so will make scratches that
rubbing compound will not remove.
* After completing wet sanding, compound the sanded
area with a fine grit rubbing compound. Use a low speed
(1200 – 2800 rpm) buffer. Several applications of rubbing
compound will have to be applied before all the scratches
Hunter 31 • Maintenance
are removed.
* Apply a good coat of wax.
14.2.4 Stains
You can remove stains using a cleaner specifically made
for gelcoat surfaces. Any cleaner recommended for cul-
tured marble or fiberglass tubs and sinks will work. Most
of these cleaners can be purchased at a grocery store.
If a cleaner does not remove the stain, use a fine grit
rubbing compound. By hand, apply a small amount of
the compound to the stain area. Using a cotton cloth
and medium pressure, rub the compound into the stained
area. After the stain is removed, wash the area with soap
and water and apply a good coat of wax.
14.2.5 Stainless Steel
Your Boat Hardware is made from top quality stainless
steel and with proper care and maintenance will give you
many years of service.
Mirror Finish
The mirror finish on most of your stainless hardware is
produced by a series of progressive machine and hand
polishing operations.
makes the stainless finish so beautiful...and easier to
clean and maintain.
Recommended Cleansers
We have reviewed several general stainless cleansers/
polishers to determine their effectiveness in cleaning and
protecting your stainless steel. Even though opinions will
certainly differ our opinion is that one of the most effective
cleaning and polishing products is Collinite© # 850 Metal
Wax. To help maintain the factory finish of your stainless
steel hardware, try the recommended cleanser because
you may agree with us. A sample 'Stainless Care Kit' is
supplied with your boat to start you off with the recom-
mended maintenance.
Recommendations for Cleaning
• Do...Apply an even layer of the polishing compound onto
a clean soft rag and distribute over a manageable area of
the stainless surface with a soft rotational motion.
• Do...Repeat the application if some surface stains
remain until all the finish is back to the original clean
shiny finish.
• Do...Remove any excess polishing compound and pol-
14.3
It is this careful polishing that