Hull Maintenance; Hull Blistering; Prevention; Bottom Painting - Boston Whaler Montauk 190 Owner's Manual

Hull Maintenance

If using a pressure washer to clean the hull and
deck surfaces of your boat it is important that you
use the wide fan nozzle only and move the spray
head in a continuous motion. Do not concentrate
the high pressure on a small area of the boat surface
and NEVER use the fine pinpoint nozzle as the
concentrated stream can cause damage to the surface
of your boat.
It is also recommended that your refrain from
pressure washing the console as high pressure may
compromise the integrity of the electronics and
gauges as well as other equipment installed on your
boat. Also avoid pressure washing all caulk seams.
When staining from build-up does occur, use only
cleaning agents that are recommended for marine gel
coat for use on those stubborn stains.
NEVER use an abrasive cleaner to wash your boat's
hull.
NEVER use an abrasive pad to attempt to remove
stubborn stains.
NEVER use strong solvents to clean.
NEVER apply tape or any other type of adhesives
directly to the painted surfaces on your boat.
Use care when covering your boat's painted surfaces
as tarps and other such covers can trap dirt and
cause chafing. It is best to use a frame of either
aluminum or wood to keep the cover up and allow
air to circulate.

Hull Blistering

Due to the quality of the materials used in the hulls
of Boston Whalers, blistering is rarely ever seen.
Blistering is caused by water soluble materials in
the hull laminate. The fiberglass and resin structure
of your boat is porous. However, intrusion of water
into the gel coat will take some time. The effect of
osmotic pressure allows water to impregnate below
the gel coat and substrate thus forming a blister.
5-2
Section 5 • Care & Maintenance
There have been extensive university studies funded
by the United States Coast Guard regarding the cause
and effect of blistering in the gel coat of fiberglass
boats. Fiberglass blisters can form anywhere from
near-surface layers of the gel coat to very deep into
the fiberglass structure. The damage can range from
cosmetic to catastrophic, (although the latter is a very
rare occurrence). The studies seemed to point toward
long term immersion of the hull in warm water as
a primary cause of hull blisters. Stress cracks on
the hull below the waterline also contribute to the
formation of hull blisters.

Prevention

There are a variety of ways to prevent the formation
of hull blistering. Epoxy coatings can be applied
to the hull, followed by hull painting. An alkyd-
urethane-silicone marine paint can also be used to
aid in the prevention of hull blisters.
Reducing the amount of time that your boat stays
in the water also helps prevent hull blisters from
forming. Use of a trailer or boat lift will reduce the
likelihood of hull blisters forming. Be sure to use a
bunk type lift or trailer for storage of the boat out
of water.
Contact your Boston Whaler
information on the prevention and treatment of hull
blisters.

Bottom Painting

DANGER
!
There are risks and dangers inherent with the
use of paints and solvents. Dispose properly
of all rags, rollers and trays used for painting.
Follow all the precautions and regulations listed
by the manufacturer before and after painting
your boats hull.
NOTICE
If blisters are present in the hull, they need to
be properly cleaned and dried out before any
barrier protection can be applied.
R
dealer for more
®
190 Montauk