ATX 22 Type-S, Owner'S Manual

Page: 83 / 100

CARE AND MAINTENANCE | 82
EXTERIOR
Use quality boat care product when protecting the exterior of your ATX boat . The
exterior of your boat is as important as protecting the engine . A little effort today
will keep your boat looking good in the future and show the pride every time you
use your boat .

WARNING
FIRE/EXPLOSION/ASPHYXIATION HAZARD
Cleaning agents and paint ingredients can be flammable and/or explosive, or
dangerous to inhale . Make sure ventilation is adequate, wear proper per-
sonal protection and dispose of tags properly ashore .
Vapors from flammable solvents can cause fire, explosion or asphyxiation re-
sulting in death or serious injury . Keep open flame or spark away from work
area .
DO NOT paint unless in a well-ventilated area .

WARNING
SLIPPERY SURFACE HAZARD
Cleaning craft surfaces can generate slippery conditions which can result in
death or serious injury . Use caution when cleaning with detergents and rinse
thoroughly .
Gel Coat Maintenance
Regular maintenance will keep your exterior surfaces in good condition . Ex-
posure to the sun, sand, sap or staining properties from trees and minerals in the
water affect your boat’s finish .
To help maintain the shine of your boat, wash the hull with a mild biodegrad-
able, non-abrasive detergent after each use to help to remove any debris and
waterborne materials . Use a soft sponge or towel and dry with a chamois cloth
to prevent water spots . Give your boat a fresh water wash after saltwater use .
Cover if possible to keep you boat looking its best . Never place a non-breath-
able cover on a boat that is still wet . Store in a dry, covered area .
Remove any unintentional fuel or oil spills from the gel-coated surfaces as
quickly as possible .
Wax the hull sides and deck at least twice a year with a high-performance
marine wax . Waxes and polishes can be obtained from your ATX Dealer or a
marine supply store . Always follow the directions of the manufacturer of these
products before you use them .
In certain areas, sudden changes in temperature can affect gelcoat . When plan-
ning on moving your boat from outdoors to a heated location, allow the change
of temperature to be gradual . Heat the location after the boat is brought inside
to allow the boat to change temperature slowly as the location is heated . Also, if
you are planning on moving your boat from a warmer area to a colder one, wait
for the outside temperature to be closer to the warmer area’s temperature or
allow the warmer area and the boat to cool down before moving your boat .
If your boat’s gelcoat develops a chalky look over a period of time due to
exposure to sun, there are gelcoat buffing and polishing compounds available
from your ATX Dealer or a marine supply store .
DO NOT
use common house-
hold scouring pads or powders .
Remove any small scratches or scuffs using a fine rubbing compound . For any
major repairs, consult your ATX dealer .
The hull bottom is also an important area to keep clean since buildup of water
scum and algae will reduce the boat’s efficiency . If you leave your boat in the