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PEARSON YACHTS
OWNER'S GUIDE AND PROTECTION PLAN
SECTION XIX: CARE & MAINTENANCE
Regular preventive maintenance is required to keep any boat in "as new"
condition. It starts with the day after delivery and continues throughout the
year. The heaviest time commitment is, of course, in the spring but one should
always be observant of the condition of such areas as running rigging, finishes,
the engine, head,, and other moving parts of gear and tackle. The following
comments are intended to serve as an initial guideline. You will no doubt want
to develop a check list of your own.
FIBERGLASS SURFACES
The glossy outer surface of your laminated fiberglass boat is known as
"gelcoat", a polyester resin into which coloring pigments have been
incorporated. It should be hosed with fresh water after every outing and
routinely washed with a good detergent. Use a sponge on the smooth surfaces,
while a stiff deck brush will be helpful on the non-skid surfaces, followed by
more fresh water to avoid streaking the topsides. Do not use abrasive cleaners,
as they will rapidly dull the gelcoat surface.
At least once a year the smooth gelcoat surfaces should be waxed and polished
with a good automotive wax or boat wax that is especially formulated for
fiberglass surfaces. A power buffer will make work on the large areas, like the
hull, easier, but care must be taken not to cut through the gelcoat surface,
particularly at corners and edges. Color in gelcoat, as in any material exposed
to direct sunlight, tends to fade, dull,, or chalk, and will require heavier
buffing to bring back the original luster. For power cleaning, use a LIGHT
abrasive cleaner, while a heavier rubbing compound may be used when polishing by
hand. After buffing, wax and polish all surfaces EXCEPT THE NON-SKID AREAS.
Regardless of the amount of care lavished on your boat occasional scratches,
cracks, small gouges, along with a badly crushed section or even a large hole,
are bound to appear. It is best to discuss the proper course of action with your
local dealer or a professional who is SKILLED IN THE REPAIR OF FIBERGLASS
SAILBOATS.
We have included a copy of Fiberglass Boat Care and Repair Manual by
Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation that gives some very good basic information
for your perusal. Minor gelcoat touch-up and patching is not difficult. It takes
a little study, practice, and, if possible, help from a knowledgeable person.
WOODWORK
The exterior and interior trim is teak, one of the most durable and decorative
of all hardwoods - but it must be maintained to keep it from splitting and
discoloring.
To help teak maintain its natural color and life longer, treat it regularly with
a preparation such as Boatlife's "Teak Brite" or Woolsey's "Teak Dressing".
CAUTION: Never use steel wool instead of bronze wool or sandpaper. Small
filaments of steel break off and cause rust spots that are very difficult to
remove.
CUSHION CARE
The fabric used on all Pearson yachts has been treated with Scotchgard for your
protection. When cleaning is required, we recommend that a mild detergent be
used. Lather up the cushion with a damp sponge. Rinse with fresh water.
CAUTION: Do not remove covers from foam.
Pearson 323 Owners Manual (1978 model year)
Page 38 of 38
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