Xiv) Maintenance - BENETEAU OCEANIS 473 Owner's Manual

XIV) MAINTENANCE

Your boat is an important investment that, because of the particularly aggressive climate it lives
in, requires specific and regular maintenance. Furthermore, many accidents are due to negligence and a
lack of maintenance. These two reasons, the protection of your investment and safety, should make you
aware of the importance of regular and thorough maintenance of your boat.
The advice below and YOUR PERSONAL NOTES will help you.
1) THE HULL
In glass reinforced polyester (GRP), it is made with high quality products. However it would be wrong
to consider that it will keep its original condition for life if you don't give it a minimum amount of care.
The gel-coat is sensitive to knocks and scratches that it could suffer when manoeuvring. Always have a
member of crew ready to place a fender in the appropriate place.
It will be beneficial to hose down the hull and deck with freshwater as often as possible.
Hull preparation
Beforehand, you may apply a coat of epoxy paint to the gel-coat which will protect the hull
(underbody) of your boat against the natural aggressions of the maritime environment.
Moreover, the underbody of the hull should be covered with an antifouling paint preventing the
adherence of marine growth.
When applying the antifouling, be careful not to cover the anodes or the electronic instrument
transducers and do not obstruct the raw water inlet strainers, in particular the engine cooling water strainers.
In all events, first degrease the underbody and lightly hand rub down with 400 grit wet and dry paper.
Maintenance
In order to retain the good looks of your boat's gel-coat, preventative and regular maintenance is
necessary. For this, do not hesitate to consult your dealer who will advise you on the most appropriate methods
and products to use.
2) THE DECK
Regularly rinse the deck and fittings with freshwater.
Regularly brush the deck with a mild liquid detergent.
Deck fittings:
Regularly lubricate the blocks, sheaves, bottle-screws, winches, windlass, tracks and travellers, etc with
grease or a light oil.
Polish with an appropriate product any stainless steel fittings that show minor oxidation pitting, which
is of no consequence.
ANG 24/06/04
OCEANIS 473
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