RS Vareo, Rigging Manual

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4 MAINTENANCE
4.1 Boat Care
The RS Vareo is made using a GRP and coremat laminate. This is stiff and light, but
will dent if subjected to point loading. The boat should be supported ashore on a
recognised RS trolley and care must be taken when launching and recovering to
avoid damage to the transom. When dealing with a marine environment, equipment
gets wet, which in itself is not a problem. The problem starts when moisture is
trapped for any length of time. The key, therefore, is to store the boat properly
ashore. Water absorption could cause blistering and a raised fibre pattern.
Keep your dinghy drained and well ventilated
• Ensure that the boat is stored with bow raised to allow any excess water to
drain away.
• If leaving the under cover on the boat, ensure that the transom is open for
drainage and that there is a hole below the daggerboard slot to allow water to
drain.
Wash with fresh water
Fresh water evaporates far more quickly than salt water; so if your dinghy has been
sailed in salt water wash it off thoroughly. The fittings will also work better if regularly
washed.
Hull damage falls into three categories:
• SERIOUS – large hole, split, crack or worse. Don’t be too distressed! Get the
remnants back to RS Racing – most problems can be repaired.
• MEDIUM – small hole or split, gel crazing. If this occurs during an event,
sailing can often be continued as long as leaking can be prevented by drying
the area and applying strong adhesive tape. CAUTION – if the damage is
close to a heavily loaded point then a close examination should be made to
ensure joints and laminate are fit for the prevailing conditions. Get the
damage professionally repaired as soon as possible.