Aluminum & Powder Caoted Surfaces; Hull Maintenance (Blisters); Causes; Prevention - Boston Whaler 230 dauntless User Manual

Aluminum & Powder Coated Surfaces
Wash down completely with soap and fresh water
and wipe dry after each use.
Wash completely using a soft cloth and mild
detergent to remove salt particles. Hosing alone will
not dislodge all particles. DO NOT allow soap to dry
as it may cause stains on coated surface. Make sure
to wash and dry full circumference of bows (bimini
and sun tops).
Wash and apply an aluminum protectorant twice
each year. Inspect and repair or replace all damaged
nylon bushings, washers or other hardware designed
to prevent contact with dissimilar metals.
Whenever electrical or electronic changes are made
to the boat, a qualifi ed marine technician should
check aluminum parts for stray currents. Make sure
all electronic equipment is properly grounded with
adequate sized wire.
Preventative maintenance is essential to life of the
metals on your boat. The presence of salt particles
and moisture is the major cause of white spots, pitting
and corrosion. The use of harsh chemicals can also
cause deterioration. Manufacturers and applicators
of protective coatings will not warranty protective
coatings on metals in the marine environment.
Proper owner maintenance is required to reduce
deterioration which will result in most case by failure
to wash down and wipe dry after each use and/or the
use of abrasive, acidic or other improper cleaners.

Hull Maintenance (Blisters)

Causes

The fi berglass and resin structure of your boat is
porous (intrusion of water into the gelcoat will take
some time). Blistering is caused by water soluble
materials in the hull laminate. The effect of osmotic
pressure allows water to impregnate below the
gelcoat and substrate thus forming a blister. There
have been extensive university studies funded by the
United States Coast Guard regarding the cause and
effect of blisters forming in the gelcoat of fi berglass
boats. Fiberglass blisters can form in near-surface
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Section 5 • Care & Maintenance
layers of the gelcoat to very deep into the fi berglass
structure. The damage can range from cosmetic
to catastrophic, (although the latter is a very rare
occurance). The studies seemed to point toward
long term immersion of the hull in warm water as a
primary cause of hull blisters. Stress cracks on the
hulls below the waterline also contributed to the
formation of blisters on the hull.

Prevention

There are a variety of ways to prevent the formation
of hull blistering. Epoxy coatings can be applied
to the hull, followed by hull painting. An alkyd-
urethane-silicone marine paint can also be used to
aid in the prevention of hull blisters.
Reducing the amount of time that your boat stays
in the water also helps prevent hull blisters from
forming. Use of a trailer or boat lift will reduce the
likelihood of hull blisters forming. Be sure to use a
bunk type lift or trailer for long term storage of the
boat out of water. If blisters are present in the hull,
they need to be properly cleaned and dried out before
any barrier protection can be applied. Contact your
®
Boston Whaler dealer for more information on
prevention and treatment of hull blisters.

Bottom Painting

DANGER
!
There are risks and dangers inherent with the
use of paints and solvents. Dispose properly
of all rags, rollers and trays used for painting.
Follow all the precautions and regulations listed
by the manufacturer before and after painting
your boats hull.
Painting the bottom of your boats hull is a good
way to slow the formation of hull blisters, and also
keeping bottom growth (fouling) under control. To
determine the waterline, you will need to place the
boat in water and with a full load of fuel and gear,
mark the waterline. Measure above the marked
line 1 to 3 inches for placement of the tape line.
Masking tape is not recommended for the types of
R
230 Dauntless