Upholstery Care; Corrosion: Anodized Aluminum/Stainless Steel - Century 30 express Owner's Manual

CENTURY BOATS

14. Upholstery Care

The vinyl material used on the seats and bolsters is of a high-quality marine material. DO NOT use harsh cleaners,
solvents or chemicals on your vinyl surfaces. For best results, it is recommended that the owner does a deep
cleaning at least twice a year. A periodic surface wipe down of all the vinyl material is recommended after each
use. Mix ½ gallon of water with 2 tbsp. of dish washing liquid. Scrub the surface of the marine upholstery as well
as below the seats and all the seams throughout your vessel. It is VERY important NOT to stow wet cushions. Let
them air dry before stowing. This will prevent mold from growing on your upholstery.
15. Corrosion: Anodized Aluminum/Stainless Steel Care
The anodized aluminum and stainless steel chosen for construction of the hard-top, t-top, Bimini top or other
marine fabrication on your new boat has been produced to a marine specification designed to achieve the very
best overall performance.
Despite the use of the very best materials for this application, the marine environment is one of the harshest on
the planet. The marine environment, atmospheric contaminates and normal wear and tear will all contribute to
the onset of "pitting" on the metal's surface. The best way to combat the aggressive nature of the marine
environment and to keep the aluminum and stainless steel on your new boat in "like new" condition is through
proper cleaning and preventive maintenance. With proper care and maintenance, the anodized aluminum and
stainless steel on your boat can be kept in first class condition for a very long time.
The aluminum on your boat has been anodized, which creates a very hard protective seal on the surface of the
aluminum to protect it from pitting. When the anodized coating is broken and raw aluminum is exposed, corrosion
will take place. Damage from knives, gaffs or other abrasive impacts can break the anodized coating.
Corrosion is a natural phenomenon that affects metals by either a chemical or electrochemical reaction. The rate
at which aluminum corrodes depend greatly on the environmental conditions and the amount of preventive
maintenance performed. Our goal is to slow down or stop this natural phenomenon we call pitting (or corrosion).
Be aware corrosive chemicals containing high concentrations of acids or alkalis will remove the anodized coating.
Solutions containing chlorine, salts, or ammonia are all harmful to the anodized aluminum on your boat. Many
common household cleaners contain the chemicals that, if used, will be harmful to the anodized aluminum parts
on your boat.
Avoidable:
•
Strong acidic solutions found in cleaners, paint remover, degreasers, etc.
•
Concentrated alkaline based solutions. Many, if not most soaps fall into this category.
•
Chlorine, sulfurs, solvents and ammonia-based products.
Unavoidable:
•
Saltwater (often comes with the territory).
•
Airborne pollution. Airborne particles from local sources: vehicles, incinerators, paper mills, chemical plants,
power plants, etc.
•
Harsh chemicals from work performed at local shipyards and dry docks.
•
Be aware of local sources that can expose your new boat to corrosive chemicals.
OWNER'S MANUAL – 30 EXPRESS
14
MODEL YEAR 2017