General Service Instructions; Washing And Cleaning; Maintenance; Regular Maintenance Of The Boat - Bella 550 BR Owner's Manual

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17. General service instructions

17.1 Washing and cleaning

Keep your boat clean and tidy. It increases comfort, safety, and the resale value of the craft.
Washing and waxing is normally sufficient care for the deck and sides. Special boat shampoos are the
most suitable agents for washing. Do not use powerful solvents; they may tarnish the gloss of
reinforced plastic surfaces. Slightly abrasive polishers can be used to remove stains or foreign bodies.
Waxes including silicon are not recommended, because they adversely affect paint and resin, making
the repair of any damage more difficult.
After lifting the boat from the water, wash the bottom of the craft immediately. Algae and slime can be
removed much more easily before they dry out.

18. Maintenance

The purpose of the owner's handbook is to familiarise the user with the properties and features of the
boat so it is operated properly. No boat or engine functions properly without maintenance. In order to
save money and time, service the boat and engine regularly. This prevents faults.

18.1 Regular maintenance of the boat

During the boating season, the maintenance of the boat is simple and trouble free. Normally it is
sufficient to just keep the boat clean. Use low-phosphate, non-polluting detergents. Boats made of
reinforced plastic should be waxed at least twice a season. New boats must be waxed before use.
Carry out the necessary service procedures in compliance with the owner's handbooks for the engine
and other equipment (see attachments). If your boat is stored outside or in moist areas, remove fabrics
and anything else that may be affected by humidity. Ropes must be washed with fresh water and worn
ropes replaced.
Drain tanks and leave the valves partly open.
Electrical instruments are best protected against corrosion and theft by removing them and storing
them in a dry room over the wintertime. Also remove batteries and store them in a dry place. Charge at
least twice over the winter. Spray the connectors of the electrical system with a suitable anti-moisture
and anti-corrosion substance.
Check the hull and sand any dents to allow any moisture that has penetrated into the hull to dry out.