Monterey Boats 378SE, Owner'S Manual

Page: 143 / 210

143
MONTEREY
BOATS
Routine Maintenance
Anodized Aluminum Surfaces
Anodized aluminum should be washed periodi-
cally with soap and water to keep it clean. If the
boat is used in saltwater or polluted water, the
aluminum should be washed with soap and water
after each use. Saltwater allowed to remain on
anodized aluminum will penetrate the anodized
coating and attack the aluminum.
If your boat is used in saltwater and equipped
with a wakeboard tower and fiberglass hardtop,
it will require special attention to the anodized
aluminum just below the top. This area is subject
to salt build up from salty condensation and sea
spray. It is also frequently overlooked when the
boat is washed and will not be rinsed by the rain.
Consequently, the aluminum just below the top
is more likely to become pitted than the exposed
aluminum on the structure. Make sure the alumi-
num in this area is washed frequently with soap
and water and rinsed thoroughly. Pay particular
attention to places where the top material contacts
the frame.
Once a month coat the entire frame with a metal
protector made for anodized aluminum to protect
against pitting and corrosion caused by the harsh
effects of saltwater. Do not use automotive or boat
wax designed for paint or gel coat on anodized
aluminum. The wax can contaminate the alumi-
num and damage the anodized surface.
CAUTION
ONE DRAWBACK TO METAL PROTECTORS IS THAT THEY
CAN MAKE THE METAL SLIPPERY. THEREFORE, METAL
PROTECTORS SHOULD NOT BE USED ON TOWER LADDERS,
STEERING WHEELS AND OTHER AREAS WHERE A GOOD
GRIP AND SURE FOOTING IS IMPORTANT.
Stains can be removed from anodized aluminum
with a metal polish or fine polishing compound. To
minimize corrosion, use a caulking compound or
Teflon based sealer to bed hardware and fasteners
mounted to aluminum fabrications. If the anod-
ized coating is badly scratched it can be touched
up with paint. With proper care, anodized alumi-
num will provide many years of service.
Powder Coated or Painted Aluminum
Powder coated or painted aluminum should be
washed periodically with soap and water to keep it
clean. If the boat is used in saltwater or polluted
water, the aluminum should be washed with soap
and water after each use. Saltwater allowed to
remain on powder coated or painted aluminum will
penetrate the coating and attack the aluminum,
usually around fasteners and hardware mounted
to the aluminum.
If your boat is used in saltwater and equipped
with a wakeboard tower and fiberglass hardtop, it
will require special attention to the aluminum just
below the top. This area is subject to salt build up
from salty condensation and sea spray. It is also
frequently overlooked when the boat is washed
and will not be rinsed by the rain. Consequently,
the aluminum just below the top is more likely
to become pitted than the exposed aluminum on
the structure. Make sure the aluminum in this
area is washed frequently with soap and water
and rinsed thoroughly. Pay particular attention to
places where the top material contacts the frame.
Once a month check for damage, scratches and
corrosion, particularly around fasteners and hard-
ware. Nicked or badly scratched paint and powder
coating can be sanded and touched up with enamel
paint. Corrosion around fasteners will have to be
sanded, then touched up with paint. The fasteners
will require fiber washers and sealing with caulk or
a Teflon based sealer to isolate the fastener from
the aluminum and prevent damage to the paint
or powder coating when the fastener is installed.
Periodically applying automotive or boat wax to
the surface will provide additional protection from
the harsh effects of saltwater.
Always repair scratches, nicks and corroded areas
as soon as possible. Corrosion left unaddressed
will lift the paint or powder coating, allowing
moisture to travel between the coating and the
aluminum causing the corrosion to spread below
the coating and damage the aluminum.
If excessive chipping and peeling occurs, it could
be an indication of an electrical fault in the boat or
aluminum fabrication. You should contact a quali-
fied marine electrician to inspect your boat im -
mediately and correct the problem if you suspect
that your boat may have a fault in the aluminum
frame. You should also contact Monterey Boats
Customer Service.