Hatches; Deck Hardware; Hull To Deck Joint; Winterizing - Back Cove Yachts Back Cove 30 Owner's Manual

I.

Hatches

A soft cloth should be used in cleaning, and any
abrasive solvent or cleaner should be avoided. While
polycarbonate is impact resistant it tends to scratch
easily. Plastic cleaner and polish may remove
surface scratches.
For operation of hatches see Fig_6.10-8.
Portlights are supplied with adjustable quick dogs.
The quick dogs can loosen over time and will not
provide a proper seal between the lens and gasket.
The tension on the dogs will need to be set by
adjusting the set screw. (see Fig_6.10-11)
Damage to interior components can result from
an open or improperly closed hatch or portlight.
J. Deck Hardware
Deck hardware is made of corrosion-resistant metal
alloys. However, discoloration may occur in salt air
environments. Routine rinsing with fresh water after a
cruise will retard this. Regular cleaning with metal
polish, followed by a waxing, will keep these parts
less susceptible to stains and rust.
K. Hull to Deck Joint
Standard Back Cove Yachts hull to deck joints are
comprised of a combination of applied adhesive
sealant and mechanical fastening. The adhesive
bonds the hull to the deck and forms a water tight
seal. The hull and deck flanges are also drilled and
tapped to accept threaded stainless steel fasteners
which complete the structural joint. Due to dynamic
forces that occur at the bow, the fasteners located in
the anchor locker receive a secondary nut in addition
to being threaded into the fiberglass. After the
structural joint is complete, a poly rub-rail is installed
over the flanges and sealed with marine sealant.
The sealant above and below the rub-rail should be
checked annually for wear and maintained as
necessary.

8.2 Winterizing

The end of the season is a good time to perform a
complete inspection of all of the boat's systems.
Taking the time to put the boat away in good order
will benefit an early launching in the spring. If the
boat is in the water on a year-round basis, it is
recommended that the boat be hauled for a few days
each year, prior to the season of heavy use, for
routine out-of-water maintenance and inspection.
Back Cove Yachts does not sanction the practice of
storing a boat in the water in freezing climates. Doing
so may void some warranty issues.
A. Hauling
The boat should be lifted with hoist slings properly
positioned to avoid damaging the hull fittings and
propeller shafts. If hauled properly the weight of the
hull will be centered on the straps and padding will
protect the gelcoat finish.
B. Bottom/ Hull
Remove any marine growth on the boat's bottom as
soon as the boat is hauled. Owners generally prefer
to wait until shortly before launching before re-
painting the bottom.
C. Cutlass Bearing
The shaft strut contains a water-lubricated, rubber
bearing which supports the propeller shaft. At haul
out, be sure the bearing slots are clear, and apply
silicone to preserve the suppleness of the bearing.
Replace the shaft zinc, if required, prior to re-
launching.
D. Freshwater System
This system is best winterized with one of the non-
toxic antifreezes available for use in boat and
recreational freshwater systems. It ensures that no
pure water is left in the system to freeze.
For winterizing to be most effective, the water tank
should be drained as much as possible (i.e., open
faucets etc. with the fresh water pump turned ON).
Allow hot water heater to cool. Open the pressure
release valve on top of the hot water tank to vent the
tank, and disconnect the hot and cold water hoses.
The check valve must be held open for the hot water
heater tank to drain. Connect the hot and cold water
hoses together using a short length of pipe to bypass
the heater.
Mix the appropriate amounts of antifreeze and water,
as directed on the label, to deliver the degree of
protection desired. Put 2 to 4 gallons of the solution
into the water tank.
Turn ON the pump and open all fixtures (including
head) until antifreeze runs through. Be sure to open
the hot water selector valve in order to supply
antifreeze to the hot water hoses, and through the