Regal 53 SC, Owner'S Manual

Page: 356 / 546

10
Chapter 8
FIBERGLASS & GELCOAT
Routine maintenance is the only practical way to keep the
surface of your boat looking shiny and new. Most objects
left outdoors will gradually deteriorate from exposure to
the sun, water, dust and pollution. Such outdoor exposure
can cause your boat’s gelcoated surface to change or fade.
Darker colors tend to fade more rapidly than lighter colors
because they absorb more of the sun’s rays (ultraviolet
and infrared).
Basic maintenance includes monthly washing of the boat’s
surface to remove normal accumulation of soil and stain.
Use a mild detergent such as dishwasher powder or liquid.
Do not use automatic dishwasher detergent. Avoid any
kind of alkaline cleaners such as tri-sodium phosphate
(TSP), abrasives, bleaches and ammonia. For best results
use cleaners that are recommended for
fi berglass.
It is recommended that you wax the gelcoat surface twice
yearly to prevent loss of gloss and to protect the
fi nish.
Use only waxes for fi berglass and follow the label instruc-
tions. Apply a 3’ x 3’ section at a time using clean applicator
cloths or a buf
fi ng bonnet. When a haze develops, use a
power buffer at low speeds (1200-2000 rpm) to remove
the haze. Keep the buffer moving to avoid heat build-up.
Never wax gelcoat in direct sun.
When the washing and waxing as recommended does not
restore the shine it may be necessary to use a
fi ne rubbing
compound. Do not apply rubbing compound in direct
sunlight. A power buffer at lower speeds does an excel-
lent job to remove impurities from the gel coat that cause
dulling. Use light pressure and keep the buffer moving.
Re-wax after compounding to buff the surface.
“Hairline cracks” or “spider webbing” could develop in
the gelcoat surface of a hull or deck. This can be caused
by impact or other factors. Small air pockets or gouges
may also occur through normal
wear. These do not affect
the strength of the hull or deck and can be repaired by
yourself, a marine professional or a Regal dealer.
The affected area should be chipped or sanded away and
a thin layer of color matched gelcoat applied. This layer
is then sanded smooth and buffed to its original luster.
Most minor scratches, nicks, and dents can be removed
by compounding the surface. Marine type compounds can
be found at most auto body supply stores.
Specify a number 25 which is a coarser compound up to a
number 55
being less coarse. Various glazes and polishes
are available as needed. Ask your marine professional or
Regal dealer for more information. Fiberglass hulls are
strong but they can be damaged. A
fi berglass hull has vir-
tually no internal stresses. Thus when a part is broken or
punctured, the rest of the hull retains its original shape. A
severe blow will either be absorbed or result in a de
fi nite
localized break. A break of this nature should be checked
and repaired by a marine professional or a Regal dealer.
MINOR REPAIRS
You will need the following materials for minor repairs:
•
Gelcoat
•
Clear Liquid Catalyst
•
Putty Knife
•
Razor Blade
•
Fine Sandpaper (400,600,1000)
•
Wax Paper (to cover repair area)
AVOID BODILY INJURY!
WAXED GELCOAT SURFACES CAN BE VERY
SLIPPERY. DO NOT WAX NORMALLY USED
AREAS OF THE DECK, LINER, OR GUN-
WHALES. DO NOT WAX ANY TEXTURED OR
NON-SKID SURFACES SUCH AS FLOORS,
WALKWAYS, STEPS, LADDERS
OR SWIM PLATFORMS.
ALWAYS WEAR NON-SLIP FOOTWEAR
WHILE ON BOARD THE VESSEL.
CAUTION
!