17
Post operation checks
After putting the Ballistic
®
on the trailer, Rlush your outboard motors to prevent the cooling system from clogging
up with salt, sand or dirt. Drain residual water from the exhaust system by starting the engine then alternately
pushing the throttle lever up to half throttle and back for 10 to 15 seconds.
Wash down the hull, deck and tubes with fresh water. Remove the hull drain plugs and rinse engine with a small
amount of fresh water. Allow any water in the bilge to drain out. After the water has drained, wipe the engine
and bilge with dry rags. Reinstall all drain plugs.
This boat is equipped with an electric bilge pump, unless otherwise speciRied by the customer that automatically
removes excess water from the bilge while you are underway. However, some residual water remains that must
be drained by removing the drain plug.
Spray a rust inhibitor and lubricant on metallic parts to minimize corrosion. Make sure you wash off all stainless
steel with fresh water and buff dry after each use.
How to maintain and clean your Ballistic
®
RIB
Cleaning your Ballistic
®
Rigid InRlatable Boat is easy if you have the right tools and equipment and have a basic
understanding of what you are doing.
Cleaning Hypalon and PVC requires the same cleaners and techniques to get great results. Using the wrong inRlatable boat
cleaners or tools can have disastrous results and sometimes results in destroying the boat.
The use of incorrect Cleaning Products will invalidate your Warranty
Remember that inRlatable boats are more delicate than Riberglass or aluminum boats and the same cleaners and
protectors cannot be used on both
You can never use the following materials to clean you Ballistic® RIB: MEK, toluene, acetone, bleach ammonia, highly
alkaline cleaners (anything with a PH greater than 11.5), abrasive scrub pads, or steel-wool, as they will weaken, damage
and discolor the fabric and attack the adhesives. Soaps and detergents leave a sticky residue (soap scum) which attracts
and holds dirt. Soap scum is also food for mould and mildew.
Rinse the soil on the surface with cold water. Store your RIB clean and under absolute dry conditions.
After every trip, rinse off your boat using fresh water, including the outboard motor. Make sure to completely remove the
salt residue that can eat away at the boat’s Rinish if your boat is in a saltwater environment.
With a soft sponge and marine soap (
Clean Green
is recommended should you not have any marine soap), wash in small
portions – and rinse – the exterior part of the boat above the deck (superstructure) including vinyl seats, deck boxes,
windshield, etc.
Scrub in small portions – and rinse – the deck, Rittings, hull and outboard motor using a biodegradable, PH-balanced
marine soap and a deck brush with medium stiffness bristles. If you choose a brush with bristles that are too stiff, it can
harm the boat’s Rinish.
Thoroughly dry the boat with a soft, dry cloth.
Clean the windows using a commercial cleaning solution or vinegar and water. Treat all vinyl with a commercial vinyl
treatment to protect and preserve your boat’s upholstery.