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are normal. Gelcoat is not going to last forever any more than upholstery on seating, paint on a
house or asphalt on a road does. Once this happens, you must professionally repair the area.
To slow the degenerative process down, clean and wax your boat as described, don’t exceed
the use limitations set forth in this manual and keep your boat fully covered when not in use.
Cleaning
Normal exterior finish maintenance of your boat is similar to the care you would give your
automobile. Do not use caustic, highly alkaline cleaners or those containing ammonia. These
cleaning agents will discolor the gelcoat. The best way to slow the degradation of your gelcoat is
to clean the boat after each outing and regularly with a mild household detergent and plenty of
fresh water. Use a sponge on smooth surfaces including the deck and a brush on the non-skid
areas. Rinse away all grime and residue. Even with regular cleaning, invisible impurities caused
by environmental pollutants will accumulate and negatively impact the finish and flexibility of
your gelcoat.
Waxing
Gelcoat will stain, yellow, discolor, become brittle and lose its gloss due to exposure to uv-light,
the environment and pollutants. It requires special attention to maintain its gloss and color. In
general, we recommend a coat of quality carnauba wax on all smooth surfaces immediately
upon taking possession of your boat, followed by a coat of Woody’s Wax (or similar) on all non-
skid areas. You can consult a professional for advice on a wax schedule appropriate for your
region, but a full coat of wax should be applied no less than once each six months to stave off
stains, yellowing, cracking, crazing and surface discoloration. In general, wax seals the pores
and enhances the look of your boat. Do
not
use traditional wax on non-skid surfaces or they will
become slippery. Whenever waxing your boat be sure to inspect the surface for any damage.
Have the damage corrected as soon as possible. Gelcoat ages, dulls, yellows, cracks, crazes
and discolors naturally over time. Factors that affect the rate of degredation include the sun,
pollution, wax, sunscreen, cleaners, and the salt content of the water in which the boat is
operated. Polishing compound (fine abrasive) or rubbing compound (coarse abrasive) can
sometimes be used to remove some of the degradation. These products can be applied by hand
or by mechanical means. To help restore fiberglass finishes, clean the affected area with a good
detergent and remove stubborn stains or discoloration by gently wet sanding the affected areas
with 600 grit “wet or dry” sandpaper. Use plenty of water and sand curves in the same direction.
Dry the area to make sure all the discoloration has been removed. Repeat this process if
necessary. Buff using a polishing compound suitable for fiberglass, an electric buffer (1750-
1800 RPM) and an 8-inch lamb’s wool pad. Follow with a coat of wax immediately.
Gelcoat Repair
We do not manufacture gelcoat. While it is a relatively durable material, it is not perfect nor is it
particularly long-lasting. Gelcoat is susceptible to stains, yellowing, scratches, blistering, crazing
and cracks over time. Gelcoat is generally elastic enough to withstand the boat’s movement in
modest seas, but sometimes and in some places it is not. Corners are notorious for gelcoat
cracks because of the amount of movement concentrated at those points. Gelcoat cracks are
cosmetic not structural. They do not affect the structural integrity of your boat and are not
covered by your warranty.
Bottom Paint
If your boat is left in the water for more than a few days at a time, the hull bottom (below the
waterline) should be painted with antifouling paint to protect it from marine growth and blistering.
All boats will blister if not painted with anti-fouling paint. Since anti-fouling paint slowly dissolves
to prevent marine growth, it is advisable to inspect and clean the boat bottom at least once per
