Minor Repairs - Regal 3550 Owner's Manual

NOTICE
WIRE BRUSHES, SCOURING PADS, OR
OTHER ABRASIVE TYPE MATERIALS
AND SOLUTIONS SHOULD NEVER
BE USED ON THE HULL OR DECK
OF YOUR BOAT.
THEY CREATE SMALL SCRATCH
MARKS THAT COLLECT MARINE GROWTH
AND OTHER FOREIGN MATERIALS.
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 instruc-
tions. Apply a 3' x 3' section at a time using clean applica-
tor cloths or a buffing bonnet. When a haze develops, 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 the direct sun.
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
sunlight. A power buffer at low speed does an excellent
job to remove impurities from the gel coat that cause dull-
ing. 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 af-
fect 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
Cosmetic Care & Maintenance
55 being less coarse. Various glazes and polishes are avail-
able 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 virtually no in-
ternal 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)
FLAMMABLE. WORK IN A WELL VENTILATED
For minor repairs refer to the following procedure:
1. Clean the area to be repaired and get rid of any wax or
grease residues.
2. Clean out scratches, chips, and nicks.
3. Sand area to be repaired so gelcoat will bond.
3
WARNING
!
AVOID BODILY INJURY!
GELCOAT & FIBERGLASS RESIN ARE
AREA FREE FROM OPEN FLAMES.
DO NOT SMOKE!