Formula SUN SPORT, Owner'S Manual

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9-3
FORMULA
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
SUN SPORT
Hull/Deck
The high-lustre finish on your Formula boat is
called gelcoat. Gelcoat can be easily maintained
by washing the surface with mild (non-abrasive)
detergent on a regular basis. Do not use abrasive
cleaners, solvents, ammonia or chlorine as these
will scratch and dull the gelcoat surface.
Wax the entire gelcoat surface with a good-quality
marine wax at least once a year after a thorough
cleaning. Use of a specially formulated marine
gelcoat wax will prevent color fade, and soil and
scum adhesion.
Your boat will actually perform better with a clean
waxed bottom. If a heavy algae is noticed on the
bottom, your Formula dealer can recommend a
good remover for your particular area.
Extended in-water storage increases the risk of
osmotic blistering of the hull’s gel coat surface.
Consequently, owners whose boats will remain in
the water for several months at a time should
consider applying barrier coat materials or a
protective paint to the hull below the water line.
When taking your boat out of salt water, the entire
boat should be washed down with fresh water
immediately. This includes the deck, hardware
and any surface exposed to the salt water.
To extend the life of your gelcoat finish, cover your
boat with a mooring cover for maximum
protection. A tonneau cover will only protect the
cockpit interior, not the gelcoat finish. Your
Formula dealer can supply more information on
this subject.
Canvas
In most cases, boat canvas is subjected to more
abuse than any other item on the boat. Canvas
must be maintained for long life and top
performance.
Do not place canvas in hot water or run it
through the hot drying cycle of an
automatic dryer. Fabric should be line
dried. Do not have fabric steam pressed at
a dry cleaners.
Formula canvas sets are made from the highest
quality Sunbrella
® canvas and clear vinyl. With the
proper care, this canvas will last you many
seasons. Each canvas set is custom fit to each
boat to assure a proper fit.
The outer canvas surfaces can be cleaned with a
soft scrub brush and mild detergent. The
underside of the canvas should be sprayed
periodically with a disinfectant to prevent the
growth of mildew. Do not use cleaners on clear
vinyl curtains and windows. Wash with clean
water and a soft, clean cloth.
NOTICE
Do not use any abrasive cleaner on the
front, side or aft curtain as it will scratch or
mar the clear vinyl surface.
Moisture, dirt, heat, ultraviolet rays, salt water and
chemicals from industrial fallout can all contribute
to the deterioration of canvas. These elements
can cause serious damage if left unattended.
Follow these guidelines to keep your canvas in
good condition.
NOTICE
Wet canvas must be allowed to dry
thoroughly before storage. Do not allow
canvas to dry loose since shrinkage can
occur. Canvas must be erected on the boat
when drying.
l
The convertible top is not designed to
withstand long periods of time exposed to the
elements and direct sunlight. It is not
designed to be a protective cover. Use a full,
properly fitted mooring cover for these
purposes.
l
If the canvas gets wet during storage,
remove the side curtains and open the
windshield to allow seams to dry out. The air
circulation will allow all canvas to dry and
prevent the growth of mildew. Do not store
folded or rolled up damp canvas.
l
Occasionally set up all canvas and curtains
and hose down with fresh water to remove
accumulated soot and dirt. Sweep or brush
the underside of the canvas to prevent the
accumulation of dirt and mildew.
l
Do not store or dock your boat under trees.
Tree sap is very corrosive to canvas and can
also be harmful to gelcoat and vinyl interiors.
l
Adjust the top bows to eliminate pockets in
which rain water can accumulate. The weight
of this accumulated water can collapse the
top or sag the canvas.
l
Do not trailer your boat with the convertible
top in the mounted position. All canvas
should be dismantled, rolled and properly
stored while trailering your boat to prevent
wind damage.