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United States Power Squadrons
Additional boating knowledge can be obtained from some of the following periodicals:
PILOTING, SEAMANSHIP AND SMALL BOAT HANDLING
(Chapman) Motor Boating and Sailing
Post Office Box 2319 —F.D.R. Station
New York, New York 10022
Available on CD ROM or as a book.
PLEASURE BOATING AND SEAMANSHIP
(US Coast Guard Auxiliary)
306 Wilson Road
Oaklands Newark, Delaware 19711
BOATMAN’S HANDBOOK by Tom Bottomly
Post Office Box 2319 —F.D.R. Station
New York, New York 10022
For more information on boat operation courses in your area, call BOATING EDUCATION
HOTLINE 1-800-336-BOAT (2628), US COAST GUARD BOATING HOTLINE 1-800-368-5647
or contact your local coast guard office.
PRODUCT CHANGES
We are committed to the continuous improvement of our boats. As a result, some of the
equipment described in this manual or pictured in our marketing material may change or no
longer be available. All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are
based on the latest product information available at the time of publication. We reserve the right
to make changes at any time and without notice to colors, materials, equipment, specifications
and models.
MAINTAINING YOUR BOAT
The amount of maintenance required to keep your boat operating properly and to maintain the
appearance is dependent on how the boat is used, the amount of usage, the type of water it is
operated in (saltwater is exceptionally corrosive), climate, any a myriad of other factors. The
bilge area of your boat should be kept clean and dry. Leaks found early and corrected are less
likely to cause damage. Do not allow grease and dirt to build up. Proper maintenance of your
boat is not only a source of pride; it is the key to maintaining your boat’s value. A few simple
steps will keep your boat looking great for years.
Fiberglass Finish
The exterior finish of your boat has a thin layer of resin with a finished color pigment called
gelcoat. The purpose of gelcoat is to protect the inner laminate from moisture and chemicals, as
well as provide a colored finish. Gelcoat contains microscopic pores that trap dirt, grime,
pollutants and other things that create surface discoloration and can affect the gelcoat’s
elasticity. While UV light inhibitors are added to gelcoat, they only reduce the speed of damage
not prevent it. Although gelcoat looks like a hard, smooth surface it actually moves and flexes
with the composite substrate. However, gelcoat is not as flexible as the composite structures
beneath it. It also expands and contracts during changing weather at a different rate than the
substrate. As a result of all the foregoing, you should expect the gelcoat to degrade over time
and wear, crack, craze, oxidize, fade, become brittle and discolor. These are not defects…they
