Carver 396 Motor Yacht 2003, Owner'S Manual

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M
AINTENANCE
S
ECTION
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The following paragraphs explain how to maintain the
various materials present outside your boat’s cabin to
help keep the boat looking new.
The exterior fiberglass surfaces of your boat are coated
with a protective layer of gelcoat. Gelcoat forms a hard,
smooth and durable surface. It does, however, contain
very small pores that, over time, collect dirt and discolor
if the gelcoat is not kept clean.
Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing your boat.
Abrasive cleaners scratch and dull the gelcoat.
Wash the boat with fresh water after each outing to
help keep the gelcoat clean. If you operate your boat in
salt water, wash it at least once every week, even if it
hasn’t been used since the last washing. Periodically
wash the boat with a solution of fresh water and mild
soap. Use a sponge to wash smooth surfaces and a stiff
nylon or natural bristle brush to wash nonskid surfaces.
Do not wax the nonskid surfaces. Waxing them makes
them slippery and dangerous to walk on.
Wax all non-tread areas at least once a season. Use a
high quality, non-yellowing, marine wax. Waxing your
boat provides a shiny surface and seals the pores in the
gelcoat, making it easier to keep clean.
The continued and overly frequent use of abrasive
polishing compounds eventually erodes the gelcoat.
Gelcoat eventually dulls with age, much like the paint
on your car. When it does this, you can restore the
gelcoat’s luster using an electric buffer and a very fine
grade polishing compound. Ask your Carver Dealer
what brand and grade of polish to use.
Stress cracks are common on all fiberglass boats. In the
majority of instances these cracks are cosmetic and
Exterior
Maintenance
Fiberglass
Surfaces