Table of Contents
Advertisement
1. Avoid working in direct sunlight. This dries out the
wax or compound, and can stain the surface.
2. Use clean pads or cloths to apply a thin coat ing of
wax or rubbing com pound to a small area such as
three feet by three feet. Re move any excess, and
then rub the area with a buffing pad, or power buf-
fer. Apply pres sure only as necessary to restore
the surface finish. Applying too much pressure
or buffing in one place too long can per m anently
dam age the surface.
3. After applying compound, always follow with
waxing.
NOTICE
If using a power buffer, use a low RPM buffer
with light pressure. Keep the pad wet and
the buffer moving at all times to prevent heat
build up.
NOTICE
When sanding, DO NOT use a power or belt
sander. Gouges, uneven areas, or other
damage could occur. For best re sults, block
sand the gel coat.
C. Stains
Stains can appear anywhere on the exterior of the
boat and may be a result of contact with tar, plant sap,
leaves, rust from metal fittings, and other materials.
Surface stains may be removed with hand dishwash-
ing soap, mild cleansers, or some house hold deter-
gents. DO NOT use chlorine or ammo nia products.
These products can affect the color of gel coat.
Commercial car washes use strong cleaners and
should be avoided.
To remove stains, refer to the procedures below.
1. Wash area with hand dishwashing 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 out lined in
procedure above.
If the stain is not removed by the hand dishwash ing
soap or mild cleanser, then the next proce dure is to
Fiberglass and Hull - Section P
use either denatured or rubbing alco hol. If this does
not work, consult your Four Winns dealer for profes-
sional assistance.
NOTICE
DO NOT use acetone, ketone, or other
solvents to remove stains. These chemi cals
are flammable and may damage the gel coat.
P - 5
FIBERGLASS REPAIRS
Fiberglass is one of the most durable, strong, and
forgiving construction materials afloat. It is resil i ent
and normal repairs can be made without affecting the
strength or structural integrity of the boat.
Stri king docks, oth er boats, or sub me rged
ob jects could cre ate a very haz ard ous situ ation
or se vere ly dam age the fiber glass. In the event
an ob ject is struck be low or near the wat erl ine,
pro ceed directly and cautiously to the near est
service facility and remove the boat from the
water. Closely inspect the hull for dam age. If
the outer fiberglass lami nate was penetrated,
repairs must be made prior to relaunch.
Occasionally, blisters, crazing, scratches, or dam age
to the fiberglass can occur. Repairs may be necessary
to correct the problem.
A. Scratches
Scratches occur during normal use. Below is a step by
step procedure to repair scratches.
1. Clean area with soap and water.
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 appear-
ance of these cracks does not pose a threat to the
structural integrity of the boat. In most cases, they are
Owner's Manual Page 121
Advertisement
Table of Contents
