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Occasionally, blisters, crazing, scratches, or dam age
to the fiberglass can occur. Repairs may be necessary
to correct the problem.
A. Scratches
Scratches occur during normal use. Below is a step by
step procedure to repair scratches.
1. Clean area with soap and water.
2. Apply a fine rubbing compound and buff.
3. Wax. If this does not work, clean the area and
sand lightly with 400 to 600 wet or dry sandpaper
and follow with rubbing compound and wax.
B. Gouges & Cracks
Stress cracks and crazing are the appearance of
hairline cracks in the gel coat surface. When present,
these problems usually occur in the gel coat finish or
the outer "skin coat" fiberglass laminate. The appear-
ance of these cracks does not pose a threat to the
structural integrity of the boat. In most cases, they are
cosmetic and can be treated. Cosmetic surface
damage can be repaired as follows:
1. S and the surrounding area with medium or fine grit
sandpaper. Clean all marine growth, dirt, anti-
fouling paint, etc. from the immedi ate area. DO
NOT excessively scratch or gouge the sur round ing
area.
2. Use a hard, pointed tool to open the gel crack.
Take care not to damage the sur round ing gel coat.
3. Sand the crack or gouge so the edges are smooth
and will allow proper "feathering" of the area.
4. Clean the area thoroughly. Make sure the area is
dry before proceeding.
NOTICE
Be sure the structure and the ambient
temperature are above 60 degrees F (15
degrees C) and the relative humidity below 70%
immediately before, during, and after the repair.
5. If the nick or gouge is deep and pene trates
through the gel coat, fill the area with fiber g lass
patching paste. Follow the directions on the can
when mixing the paste with the cata lyst.
Care and Maintenance - Section E
6. A fter the gouge is filled and has dried, sand the
patched area. Begin by using medium-fine grade
sandpaper. Progres s ively use finer grade sandpa-
per until the surface is very smooth. If necessary,
add filler and then sand the surface again.
7. A pply two or three light coats of matching fiber-
glass gel coat to the repaired area. Enough gel
coat should be used so that the entire area is
covered.
The gel coat must be cata lyzed using up to 2% MEK
Peroxide which can be pur cha sed at a supplier
handling fiber g lass rein f o r ced products. Contact your
Scarab dealer for assis tance.
8. After ample drying time, sand the area using very
fine wet/dry sandpaper. If the appear a nce of the
area is still not satisfac tory, repeat steps 2 through
8 as neces sary.
9. If above the waterline, polish the area using a
fiberglass rubbing compound and then wax. If the
repaired area is below the waterline, the area
should be primed and painted in accor dance with
the anti-fouling paint manuf actur er's instruc tions.
Gel coat, like paint, will change colors with time
and exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet). For this
reason, "matching" gel coat obtained from Scarab
may not match the gel color of a boat that has
been exposed. However, this is the closest match
commercially available. A fiberglass/gel coat
technician can tint the gel to be used in the repair
to provide a closer color match.
More severe fiberglass damage, especially when
structural, requires the expertise of an experi enced
fiberglass repair technician. See your Scarab dealer
for assistance.
NOTICE
Improper repair techniques can lead to further
fiberglass component damage.
C. Osmotic Blistering
Osmotic blistering or "boat pox" is an unfortunate but
not uncommon occurrence in fiberglass boats.
Fiberglass is water retardant, not water proof. When a
boat is left in the water for a period of time, the
fiberglass will absorb water. It is a natural process that
can not be eliminated in production methods or
material selection and usage. However, there are
ways to control and possibly prevent blisters. If you do
encounter blisters, be assured that the blisters are
Owner's Manual Page 111
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