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E - 1
FIBERGLASS CARE &
MAINTENANCE
Fiberglass is affected by weathering processes and
requires maintenance on a periodic basis to help
maintain the beauty and shine. The effects upon the
gel coat will be dependent upon boating conditions,
storage, type of use, and the care given to the boat
during the boating season.
Scarab utilizes fade-fighting gel coat in the exterior
finish. It is specially formulat e d to resist fading and
yellowing, and retain more of its original gloss than
lesser grade gel coats. However, it is still important to
maintain the gel coat to protect the finish.
A. Gen eral Mai nte n ance
For freshwater use, the boat should be washed
once or twice a month. When using in a salt water
environment, considerably more care will be neces-
sary. Be careful when selecting a cleaning agent.
Hand dishwashing detergents are usually gentle and
are recommended for cleaning gel coat. Cleaning
products such as Ivory
or Dawn
®
liquid can be safely used. Always read the label before
using any product.
NOTICE
DO NOT use acetone, paint thinner, sol vents,
or strong alkaline based deter gents, nor
clea ners with a "gritty" and abra sive tex ture.
Avoid prod ucts which contain sod ium
phosphate. Common examples of these types
of household cleaning agents are: Tide
Oxydol
, Janit or-in-a -Drum
™
Clorox
, etc. Al ways read the label before
™
using an agent.
There are several products available which are
specifically designed to clean fiberglass exterior
finishes. Many companies like Johnson & John s on
Turtle Wax
, etc. manufacture cleaning fluids mild
®
enough to clean without stripping the wax.
NOTICE
Treading on a soiled fiberglass surface can
se vere ly scratch and mar the finish. Keep the
fiberglass as clean as possible.
When cleaning nonskid areas, DO NOT attempt to
use a wire brush or sand paper because this will
remove the non-skid gel.
Care and Maintenance - Section E
hand dish washing
®
,
™
, Formula 409
,
™
™
,
®
Care and Maintenance
Apply wax once or twice a year to maintain gel coat
lustre. Read the label before using any product. Make
sure prod uct is formulated for gel coat surfaces. Also,
consult a Scarab dealer for their recom mendations.
NOTICE
Do not use carnuba-based waxes. This type
of wax yellows over time and makes the
fiberglass appear yellow.
Waxing decks, cockpit floors or other areas on
which one walks is not recom m ended. Waxing
will produce a very slip pery surface, especially
when wet. Wax may also buildup in the
nonskid surfac es. Be sure all persons wear
deck shoes while aboard the boat. Footing will
be improved and feet will be protect ed from
accidental cuts and bruises.
A darkening or discoloration of the non-skid surfac es
can sometimes occur as a result of wax build up.
Expo sure to the sun and elements can turn the wax
darker, or occasionally can cause it to become flaky or
powdery. To remove, use fine rubbing compound and
a low RPM buffer (1200 to 2000 RPM). Apply light
pressure and keep the buffer moving at all times to
prevent heat build up. Read the direc tions before
using any equipment.
B. Weathering Effects on Gel Coat
Weathering occurs from direct sunlight, water, chemi-
cals, and dust. Some of the terms below describe the
changes that can occur to the gel coat surface.
Chalking is a result of the gel coat's top surface being
bro k en down into an extremely fine pow d er. When this
happens, the color whitens. The chalk is present on
the surface only.
Fading is the uniform change in color. This hap pens
when the actual pig ments have changed color,
especially from excessive chalking, or when the gel
coat has either been stained or bleached by some-
thing.
Yellowing is gel coat which has a yellow cast and
strea king usually deals with a stain or contact with
another surface.
Owner's Manual Page 109
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