J 133, Owner'S Manual

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J/133 OWNER GUIDE 41
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 prop zinc should be inspected for electrolysis regularly. If it is severely pitted, replace it. Remember, it is
a sacrificial anode to protect the propeller and saildrive 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 for chafe and turn non-tapered sheets
end-for-end once every year to more equally distribute wear.
Check all deck blocks and also wash them with fresh water. Most ball-bearing blocks need only hot water
to cleanse them. On conventional sheave/pin blocks, wash off, disassemble, clean, rub a light waterproof
lubricant on the center pin, then reassemble.
Furthermore, 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”.
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.