Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless, Owner'S Manual

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5-2
Chapter 5 • Care and Maintenance
R
280 Dauntless
Do not paint over sacrificial anodes. This action
renders them useless and leads to deterioration
of the underwater metal parts of this vessel.
!
CAUTION
NOTICE
Waxing of the exterior surfaces is recommended
to be done at least twice a year to protect the
gel coat of this vessel.
Dry
Allow the boat to completely dry before visiting any
other bodies of water. Some localities may require
inspection or decontamination before and/or after
launching. Check state and local laws and regulations
for requirements prior to traveling to go boating.
Waxing Gel Coat Surfaces
Waxing is necessary to provide added protection to
the gel coat. Periodic cleaning and waxing ensures
this vessel is protected and looks good longer. Do not
wax over dirt. Make sure the surface of this vessel
has received a thorough washing and rinsing and
is clean before waxing. If a rubbing compound has
been necessary, make sure that any minor scratches
or surface pitting are free of compound residue. Use
a good quality carnauba wax or a high-quality wax
designed for marine gel coat. Apply several coats.
Hull Maintenance
If using a pressure washer to clean the hull and deck
surfaces of this vessel, use a wide-fan nozzle only and
move in a continuous motion. Do not concentrate the
high pressure on a small area of the boat surface and
never use a fine pinpoint nozzle as the concentrated
stream can cause damage. Do not pressure wash
the helm console as this may compromise the
integrity of the electronics and gauges as well as
other equipment. Also avoid pressure washing caulk
seams. When staining from build-up does occur,
use only cleaning agents recommended for use on
marine gel coat. Never use an abrasive cleaner or an
abrasive pad to remove stubborn stains. Never use
strong solvents to clean. Use care when covering
painted surfaces as tarps and other such covers can
trap dirt and cause chafing. It is best to use a frame
of either aluminum or wood to keep the cover raised
and allow air to circulate.
Hull Blistering
Blistering is rarely ever seen but is caused by water
soluble materials in the hull laminate. The fiberglass
and resin structure of this vessel is porous, however,
intrusion of water into the gel coat takes time. The
effect of osmotic pressure allows water to impregnate
below the gel coat and substrate thus forming a
blister. There have been extensive university studies
funded by the Coast Guard regarding the cause
and effect of blistering in the gel coat of fiberglass
boats. Fiberglass blisters can form anywhere from
near-surface layers of the gel coat to very deep into
the fiberglass structure. Damage can range from
cosmetic to catastrophic, although the latter is very
rare. Studies seem to point to long-term immersion
of the hull in warm water as a primary cause of hull
blisters. Stress cracks on the hull below the waterline
also contribute to the formation of hull blisters.
Prevention
Epoxy coatings can be applied to hulls, 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 this vessel
stays in the water also helps prevent hull blisters
from forming. Use of a trailer or boat lift reduces the
likelihood of hull blisters forming. Be sure to use a
bunk type lift or trailer for storage of the boat out
of water. Contact a Boston Whaler dealer for more
information on hull blister prevention and treatment.
Sacrificial Anodes
Sacrificial anodes are installed on this vessel’s
hull, trim tabs, and engines to protect metallic parts
from corrosion damage. Anodes must be replaced
regularly. Inspect anodes often and replace when the
anode is approximately 50 percent deteriorated. If
an increase in anode consumption is noticed, there
may be an electrical issue that needs to be addressed
on your vessel or a neighboring boat at the dock.
Contact a qualified marine electrician.
Deck
Clean up any oil spills on the deck with soap, hot
water, and a stiff brush.