Scout Boats 295 Abaco, Owner'S Manual

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Chapter 13:
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
13.1 Exterior Hull and Deck
Hull Cleaning-Below The Water Line
When the boat is removed from the water, clean the outer bot-
tom surface immediately. Algae, grass, dirt and other marine
growth is easier to remove while the hull is still wet. Use a
pressure cleaner or a hard bristle brush to clean the surface.
Bottom Painting
If the boat is to be left in saltwater for extended periods, the hull
must be protected from marine growth by antifouling paint.
Because of variations in water temperature, marine growth, and
pollution in different regions, a qualified boat yard in your area
should be consulted when deciding what bottom paint system
to apply to your hull. This is extremely important as pollution
and marine growth can damage fiberglass hulls.
Use only standard antifouling paints and fiberglass wax re-
movers and primers recommended by the antifouling paint
manufacturer when preparing the hull for bottom paint. Light
sanding, just enough to scuff the gel coat or a skip sand primer
system can be used to prepare the hull for bottom paint. The
use of a coating other than standard antifouling paint or epoxy
barrier coatings are not recommended and will void the hull
blister warranty.
Do not allow the hull antifouling paint to contact the outboard
motors. Most antifouling paints designed for hull bottoms
contain copper and can cause severe galvanic corrosion dam-
age to the motors. Always leave a 1/2” barrier between the
hull bottom paint and outboard motors.
Most bottom paints require some maintenance. Proper main-
tenance is especially important when the boat is in saltwater
and not used for extended periods or after dry storage. If the
hull bottom has been painted with antifouling paint, contact
your local boat yard for the recommended maintenance pro-
cedures.
Anodes
Sacrificial anodes are installed on the outboard motors, engine
brackets, trim tabs and the optional bow thruster. The anodes
are less noble than copper based alloys, stainless steel and alu-
minum. They will deteriorate first, protecting the more noble
underwater hardware against galvanic corrosion.
They must be monitored if the boat is to be left in the water.
Anodes should be checked monthly and changed when they are
75% of their original size. When replacing the anodes, make
sure the contact surfaces are clean, shinny metal and free of
paint and corrosion. Never paint over the anode.
Boats stored in saltwater will normally need to have the an-
odes replaced every 6 months to one year. Anodes requiring
replacement more frequently may indicate a stray current
problem within the boat or at the slip or marina. Anodes that
do not need to be replaced after one year may not be providing
the proper protection. Loose or low quality anodes could be
the problem. Contact your engine dealer or Scout Customer
Service for the proper size and type of anodes to be used and
the specific installation procedure.
There are 2 anodes on Yamaha engines. There is a large anode
is on the bottom of the clamp bracket and another anode on the
anti-cavitation plate, above the propeller.
Fiberglass Gel coat
Normal maintenance requires only washing with mild soap
and water. A stiff brush can be used on the nonskid areas.
Kerosene or commercially prepared products will remove oil
and tar which could be a problem on trailered boats. Harsh
abrasive and chemical cleaners are not recommended because
they can damage or dull the gel coat, reducing its life and
making it more susceptible to stains. When the boat is used
in saltwater, it should be washed thoroughly with soap and
water after each use.
At least once a season, wash and wax all exposed fiberglass
surfaces. Use a high quality automotive or boat wax. Follow
the procedure recommended by the wax manufacturer. The
washing and waxing of your boat will have the same beneficial
effects as they have on an automobile finish. The wax will fill
minute scratches and pores thus helping to prevent soiling and
will extend the life of the gel coat or paint.
After the boat is exposed to the direct sunlight for a period
of time, the gel coat or painted surfaces tend to fade, dull or
chalk. A heavier buffing is required to bring the finish back
to its original luster. For power cleaning use a light cleaner.
To clean the boat by hand, use a heavier automotive cleaner.
Before cleaning the surfaces, read the instructions given with
the cleaner. After cleaning the surfaces, apply wax and polish
all fiberglass surfaces except the nonskid areas.