Carver 46 VOYAGER, Owner'S Manual

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S
ECTION
7 M
AINTENANCE
4627 9/04
7.2 Exterior Maintenance
The following paragraphs explain how to maintain the various materials
present outside your boat’s cabin to help keep the boat looking new.
7.2.1 Fiberglass Surfaces
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 microscopic pores that, over time, can 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 frequent use of abrasive polishing compounds eventu-
ally 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 in-
stances these cracks are cosmetic and limited to the gelcoat surface only.
Gelcoat stress cracks are rarely an indication of structural problems. If you
discover stress cracks in your boat contact your Carver Dealer.