Fiberglass & Gelcoat; Minor Repairs - Regal 3760 Owner's Manual

FIBERGLASS & GELCOAT
CAUTION
!
AVOID BODILY INJURY!
WAXED GELCOAT SURFACES CAN BE
VERY SLIPPERY. DO NOT WAX NORMALLY
USED AREAS OF THE DECK, LINER, OR
GUNWHALES. DO NOT WAX ANY TEX-
TURED OR NON-SKID SURFACES SUCH
AS FLOORS, WALKWAYS, STEPS, LADDERS
OR SWIM PLATFORMS.
ALWAYS WEAR NON-SLIP FOOTWEAR
WHILE ON BOARD THE VESSEL.
Routine maintenance is the only practical way to keep
the surface of your boat looking shiny and new. Most
objects left outdoors will gradually deteriorate from ex-
posure to the sun, water, dust and pollution. Such out-
door exposure can cause your boat's gelcoated surface
to change or fade. Darker colors tend to fade more rap-
idly than lighter colors because they absorb more of
the sun's rays (ultraviolet and infrared).
Basic maintenance includes monthly washing of the
boat's surface to remove normal accumulation of soil
and stain. Use a mild detergent such as dishwasher pow-
der or liquid. Do not use automatic dishwasher deter-
gent. Avoid any kind of alkaline cleaners such as tri-
sodium phosphate (TSP), abrasives, bleaches and am-
monia. For best results use cleaners that are recom-
mended for fiberglass.
It is recommended that you wax the gelcoat surface
twice yearly to prevent loss of gloss and to protect the
finish. Use only waxes for fiberglass and follow the label
instructions. Apply a 3' x 3' section at a time using clean
applicator cloths or a buffing bonnet. When a haze de-
velops, use a power buffer at low speeds (1200-2000
rpm) to remove the haze. Keep the buffer moving to
avoid heat build-up. Never wax gelcoat in direct sun.
Cosmetic Care & Maintenance
When the washing and waxing as recommended does not
restore the shine it may be necessary to use a fine rubbing
compound. Do not apply rubbing compound in direct sun-
light. A power buffer at low speed does an excellent job
to remove impurities from the gel coat that cause dulling.
Use light pressure and keep the buffer moving. Re-wax
after compounding to buff the surface.
"Hairline cracks" or "spider webbing" could develop in
the gelcoat surface of a hull or deck. This can be caused
by impact or other factors. Small air pockets or gouges
may also occur through normal wear. These do not affect
the strength of the hull or deck and can be repaired by
yourself, a marine professional or a Regal dealer.
The affected area should be chipped or sanded away and
a thin layer of color matched gelcoat applied. This layer
is then sanded smooth and buffed to its original luster.
Most minor scratches, nicks, and dents can be removed
by compounding the surface. Marine type compounds can
be found at most auto body supply stores.
Specify a number 25 which is a coarser compound up to a
number 55 being less coarse. Various glazes and polishes
are available as needed. Ask your marine professional or
Regal dealer for more information. Fiberglass hulls are
strong but they can be damaged. A fiberglass hull has vir-
tually no internal stresses. Thus when a part is broken or
punctured, the rest of the hull retains its original shape. A
severe blow will either be absorbed or result in a definite
localized break. A break of this nature should be checked
and repaired by a marine professional or a Regal dealer.

MINOR REPAIRS

You will need the following materials for minor repairs:
• Gelcoat
• Clear Liquid Catalyst
• Putty Knife
• Razor Blade
• Fine Sandpaper (400,600,1000)
• Wax Paper (to cover repair area)
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