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CLEANING FIBERGLASS SURFACES
Fiberglass surfaces should be cleaned
regularly. Normal accumulations of sur-
face dirt can be removed simply by oc-
casional rinsings with water. If you op-
erate your boat in salt water, more fre-
quent rinsing will be required. To re-
move stubborn dirt, grease or oil, use a
mild detergent and a soft brush. Rinse
with fresh clean water. Avoid the plexi-
glass companionway slider, windshield,
deck hatches and fixed ports when us-
ing a deck brush, since these surfaces
can scratch.
Use only mild soap and water to clean
acrylics. Do not use products containing
solvents such as ammonia, which is
found in many window cleaners.
Sunlight is a sail's worst enemy, so cover
the mainsail when not in use. An ultravio-
let guard, fitted down the leech of a roller
headsail will protect the exposed part from
the weathering effect of the sun and from
dirt and grit.
Mildew, can be prevented by storing sails
dry and by hand washing twice a season.
Check all sails regularly for chafe, particu-
larly where they chafe on deck fittings or rig-
GENERAL HARDWARE MAINTENANCE
Check all fittings regularly to be sure
screws are tight. Occasionally lubricate
(use silicone lubricants) all moving parts
on such fittings as blocks, turnbuckles
and cam cleats, as well as the locking
pins of snatch blocks, track slides, spin-
naker poles, etc. Inspect cleat and fair-
leads for roughness and smooth with
Follow the maintenance instructions
prescribed by winch manufacturer.
MAINTENANCE
It is a good idea to wax the fiberglass
once or twice a year to maintain a deep,
glossy appearance. Your local marine
supply should be able to provide an ap-
propriate wax.
CLEANING ACRYLIC
SAIL CARE
ging, at reef points, batten sleeves and the
foot of the headsail. Sail batten pockets
should be inspected on a regular basis.
To stow the mainsail, start at the leech and
flake it onto the boom, left and right, in about
18-in. (46 cm) folds, while pulling the leech
aft. Secure with a sail tie and continue to the
luff. Lash to the boom with sail ties or shock
cord.
fine-grained emery paper if necessary.
Also, replace any missing or damaged
cotter pins in turnbuckles and shackles,
and either tape them or use them or use
protective covers manufactured for that
purpose. Grease winches a minimum of
once yearly.
WINCH MAINTENANCE
We recommend a minimum of an
annual cleaning and light greasing.
EXPLOSION/FIRE HAZARD
Cleaning agents and paint ingredients
may be flammable and/or explosive,
and dangerous to inhale. Be sure to use
adequate ventilation, and appropriate
safety clothing (gloves, safety glasses,
respirator, etc.)
Use care when cleaning acrylic.
Dry cloth and many glass clean-
ers will scratch. Solvents will at-
tack the surface.
PAGE 27
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