P - 5 Fiberglass Repairs - Four winns 248 Vista Owner's Manual

To remove stains, refer to the procedures below.
1. Wash area with hand dish washing soap.
2. Begin with a small area such as three feet by three
feet and apply a mild cleanser.
3. Rinse with clean water.
4. Follow with compound and waxing as outlined in pro-
cedure above.
If the stain is not removed by the hand dish washing soap
or mild cleanser, then the next procedure is to use either
denatured or rubbing alcohol. If this does not work, con-
sult your Four Winns dealer for professional assistance.
NOTICE
DO NOT use acetone, ketone, or other solvents
to remove stains. These chemicals are flammable
and may damage the gel coat.
P - 5 FIBERGLASS REPAIRS
Fiberglass is one of the most durable, strong, and forgiv-
ing construction materials afloat. It is resilient and normal
repairs can be made without affecting the strength or struc-
tural integrity of the boat.
Striking docks, other boats, or submerged ob-
jects could create a very hazardous situation or
severely damage the fiberglass. In the event an
object is struck below or near the waterline, pro-
ceed directly and cautiously to the nearest ser-
vice facility and remove the boat from the water.
Closely inspect the hull for damage. If the outer
fiberglass laminate was penetrated, repairs must
be made prior to relaunch.
Occasionally, blisters, crazing, scratches, or damage to
the fiberglass can occur. Repairs may be necessary to
correct the problem.
A. Scratches
Scratches occur during normal use. The following is a
step by step procedure to repair scratches.
1. Clean area with soap and water.
Vista™ Owner's Manual
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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 appearance 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. Sand the surrounding area with medium or fine grit
sandpaper. Clean all marine growth, dirt, antifouling
paint, etc. from the immediate area. DO NOT ex-
cessively scratch or gouge the surrounding area.
2. Use a hard, pointed tool to open the gel crack. Take
care not to damage the surrounding 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 tempera-
ture 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 penetrates through
the gel coat, fill the area with fiberglass patching
paste. Follow the directions on the can when mix-
ing the paste with the catalyst.
6. After the gouge is filled and has dried, sand the
patched area. Begin by using medium-fine grade
sandpaper. Progressively use finer grade sandpa-
per until the surface is very smooth. If necessary,
add filler and then sand the surface again.
7. Apply two or three light coats of matching fiberglass
gel coat to the repaired area. Enough gel coat should
be used so that the entire area is covered.
Section P
Page 4