Scout Boats 320 LXF, Owner'S Manual

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Powder Coated Aluminum
Powder coated 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 aluminum will penetrate the coating and attack the
aluminum, usually around fasteners and hardware mounted to the
aluminum.
Pay special attention to the area just below the top. This area is
subject to salt buildup 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 powder coating near
fasteners and hardware mounted just below the top is more likely
to be attacked by the salt and become corroded than the
exposed areas 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 and lacing contact the frame.
Once a month check the entire frame for damaged powder
coating and corrosion around fasteners and hardware. Nicked or
badly scratched 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 tef gel 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 powder coating with will
provide additional protection from the harsh e
ff ects of saltwater.
Always repair scratches, nicks and corroded areas in powder
coating as soon as possible. Corrosion left unaddressed will lift
the powder coating allowing moisture to travel between the
power 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 qualified marine electrician to inspect your boat
immediately and correct the problem if you suspect that your
boat may have a fault in the aluminum frame. You should also
contact Scout Customer Service.
Note: Boats that are towed behind larger vessels require
special attention to the aluminum hardware. The salt spray,
salty steam, and chemicals in exhaust gases are particularly
corrosive and will damage the surface of anodized or powder
coated aluminum. It is imperative that the boat and the
aluminum are cleaned thoroughly at the completion of each
trip or at the end of each day on long cruises to reduce
accelerated deterioration of the anodizing or powder coating
and premature corrosion to the aluminum.
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