Boston Whaler 235 Conquest, Manual

Page: 78 / 82

5-2
235 Conquest
Section 5 • Care & Maintenance
R
Painting the bottom of your boats hull is a good way
to slow the formation of hull blisters, and also
keeping bottom growth (fouling) under control. To
determine the waterline, you will need to place the
boat in water and with a full load of fuel and gear,
mark the waterline. Measure above the marked line
1 to 3 inches for placement of the tape line. Masking
tape is not recommended for the types of paint you
will be using. Preparation is the key to a successful
hull painting. If the hull is bare, the gelcoat will have
to be dewaxed before sanding can begin, otherwise
the wax will be dragged into the scratches and will
reduce the adhesion properties of the paint. After
the dewaxing is complete, a light sanding with 80
grit paper is recommended. Proper ventilation and
capture of the dust created by sanding is essential.
The paint can be applied after sanding and cleaning
Bottom Painting
There are risks and dangers inherent with the
use of paints and solvents. Dispose properly of
all rags, rollers and trays used for painting.
Follow all the precautions and regulations listed
by the manufacturer before and after painting
your boats hull.
!
DANGER
The painted hull bottom will need to be inspected
annually. Any growth will affect the boats
performance and overall look. If it has been a while
between inspections you might notice algae or slime
growth. This can be cleaned with a coarse towel or
soft bristle brush. The growth should be cleaned
Painted Hull Care (Bottom)
There are a variety of ways to prevent the formation
of hull blistering. Epoxy coatings can be applied to
the hull, followed by hull painting. An alkyd-
urethane-silicone marine paint can also be used to
aid in the prevention of hull blisters.
Reducing the amount of time that your boat stays in
the water also helps prevent hull blisters from
forming. Use of a trailer or boat lift will reduce the
likelihood of hull blisters forming. Be sure to use a
bunk type lift or trailer for long term storage of the
boat out of water. If blisters are present in the hull,
they need to be properly cleaned and dried out before
any barrier protection can be applied. Contact your
Boston Whaler
®
dealer for more information on
prevention and treatment of hull blisters.
Prevention
is complete. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for applying the paint. Humidity
and weather will play a role in how and when the
paint is applied. Several thin layers are better than
one thick layer.
Make sure that there is enough paint left to cover
areas that were not accessible, (slings, jackstands etc.)
and paint accordingly. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for do’s and dont’s after the painting
is complete. If the hull bottom is already painted,
you must be sure to test the paints adhesion to the
already painted surface. If the paints are
incompatible, the new paint will not adhere to the
hull bottom or the paint will “Lift” the old paint.
NEVER apply paint without first preparing the old
painted surface. The paint is designed to resist algae
growth which means it has chemicals embedded in
the paint that are harmful if ingested. Take all
necessary precautions required before painting or
repainting your boats hull. Painting your boats hull
will adversly affect the boats speed and perfomance.
If your boat will spend most of its time in the water,
it might be a good idea to paint the hull bottom, if
you will be trailering the boat to and from the water,
you might want to forgo the painting. This is an
abbreviated section on painting your hull
bottom.Your Boston Whaler
®
dealer should have
information on properly painting you boats hull or
recommendations on businesses that will paint your
hull for you.
!
WARNING
The dust created by sanding is toxic and should
not be breathed. A proper fitting respirator
must be used.
DO NOT use a paper filter mask.