J/Boats J/145, Owner'S Manual

Page: 47 / 51

J/145 OWNER GUIDE 48
Maintenance Tips
Even though modern construction has helped reduce upkeep, regular attention should be given to the
maintenance of your boat. This includes the fiberglass exterior surfaces, the interior wood surfaces, and
the mechanical and electrical systems.
A well maintained boat will not only bring you years of enjoyment, but most importantly, will bring you
greater personal pride and joy.
Fiberglass/Gelcoat
Apply a marine wax at least twice annually to preserve the “factory fresh” appearance for many years. Be
sure fiberglass surfaces are clean and free of salt before waxing. Abrasive cleansers should never be
used for general cleaning as they can severely mar the shiny gelcoat finish.
Bottom Paint
Keeping your bottom clean is of paramount importance as it not only keeps off bottom growth, but
maintains passage-making speed. Even though you have applied anti-fouling paint, take a swim once a
month or so (or hire a diver) and scrub the bottom and propeller with a scrub brush or abrasive sponge
pad.
Zincs
The shaft zinc should be inspected for electrolysis. If it is severely pitted, replace it. Remember, it is a
sacrificial anode to protect the propeller and shaft from electrolysis. It can deteriorate quickly, so inspect it
frequently.
Deck Hardware/Running Rigging
Wash deck hardware frequently with fresh water to remove accumulated salt and grime. Wash down the
jib sheets, spinnaker sheets, and other lines in fresh water. Check once a year for indications of wear.
Check the blocks and also wash them with fresh water. Most ball-bearing blocks need only hot water to
cleanse them, for optimum performance, spray ball bearings with a dry Teflon lubricant. On conventional
sheave/pin blocks, wash off, disassemble, clean, rub a light waterproof lubricant on the center pin, then
reassemble.
Check and lubricate the sheaves and blocks on the mast. Also, ensure the turnbuckles are clean and well
lubricated. Without proper care they can “freeze up” and not turn.
In general, it is handy to keep a spray can of a light lubricant in your tool kit for frequent squirts of blocks,
shackles, mainsheet travelers, and other moving fittings.
Winches
Read the manufacturer’s manuals on winch repair and maintenance. Winches are fine pieces of
machinery that take little effort to maintain. However, all too frequently, they suffer neglect because no one
can see how much they wear down or get dirty.
Clean And Lubricate Them ! It takes little time to disassemble and put back together. Note that the
gears and bearings are lubricated with special winch grease and pawls. Pawl springs need only a light oil.
Keep spare pawls and springs in a kit for replacement.