Carver 2157 MONTEGO Owner's Manual page 51

is minimal. Occasionally, blisters, crazing, scratches,
or damage to the fiberglass can occur. Crazing is the
appearance of hair-line cracks in the gel coat. The
occurenceofblisters, especially belowthewater-lineon
the hull, is an unfortunate but common difficulty en­
countered on fiberglass structures. The appearance of
fiberglass crazing or blisters is not a sign of deter­
ioration. These problems, when present, usually occur
in the gel coat finish or the outer "skin coat" fiberglass
laminations. Though blisters are basically "cosmetic,"
repair as soon as possible after discovery when below
the water-line. Allowing blisters to go unresolved for an
extended period can lead to more severe blistering or
other fiberglass lamination difficulties.
Blisters can range in size from that of a pin-head to that
of a silver dollar and are usually dome-like. Usually
blisters will be most apparent immediately after lifting
the boat from the water. The blisters may decrease in
visual size or "flatten-out" as the hull dries out. Mark
blister location upon discovery. When broken open,
fiberglass blisters will usually be shallow in depth and
will often have water or a clear, foul smelling liquid
inside.
Cosmetic surface damage can be repaired as follows:
1. Sand the surrounding area with medium or fine grit
sandpaper. Clean all marine growth, dirt, anti-fouling
paint, etc. from the immediate area. Do Not excessively
scratch or gouge the surrounding area.
2. Use a hard, pointed tool to open the blister or gel
crack. Take care not to damage the surrounding gel
coat.
3. Sand the blister, crack or gouge so the edges are
smooth and will allow proper "feathering" of the area.
4. Cleantheareathoroughly. Make sure the area is dry
before proceeding.
NOTE: Be sure the structure and the ambienttempera­
ture are above 60 degrees F (15 degrees C) and the
relative humidity below 70% immediately before, dur­
ing, 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 mixing 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 sandpaper
until the surface is very smooth. If necessary, add
additional 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.
The gel coat used on Carver boats is available from the
Carver Boat Corporation or from a Carver dealer. Due
to color variations and fading, matching the color of the
gel coat may be difficult. Occasionally, tinting ofthe gel
may be necessary.
IMPORTANT: The gel coat must be catalyzed using
2% MEK Peroxide.
8. After ample drying time, sand the area using very fine
weVdry sandpaper. If the appearance of the area is still
not satisfactory, repeat steps 2 thru 4 as necessary.
9. If above the waterline, polish the area using a
fiberglass rubbing compound and then wax. If the
repaired area is below the waterline, the area should be
primed and painted in accordance with the anti-fouling
paint manufacturer's instructions.
Fiberglass gel coat, like paint, will change colors with
time and exposure to light (ultraviolet). For this reason,
"matching" gel coat obtained from Carver may not
match the gel color of a boat that has been exposed.
However, this is the closest match commercially avail­
able. A fiberglass technician can tint the gel to be used
in the repair to provide a closer color match.
More severe fiberglass damage requires the expertise
of a fiberglass repair technician. Repairs of structural
damage should only be attempted by an experienced
fiberglass technician. See a Carver dealer.
IMPORTANT: Improper repairtechniques can lead to
further fiberglass component damage.
OMSB
L3
CARVER