Scout Boats 350 LXF Owner'S Manual Download Page 116

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116

Routine Maintenance

CAUTION

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.

If the fiberglass should become damaged and need

repair, contact your dealer or Scout Customer

Service for assistance in finding an authorized

repair person to make the repairs.

DO NOT WAX NONSKID AREAS AS THIS COULD MAKE THEM
SLIPPERY AND CONSEQUENTLY INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY
OF INJURY.

Stainless Steel Hardware

When using the boat in saltwater, the hardware

should be washed with soap and water after each

use. When your boat is used in a corrosive envi-

ronment such as saltwater, water with a high sul-

fur content, or polluted water, the stainless steel

will periodically develop surface rust stains. This

is perfectly normal under these conditions. The

stainless can normally be cleaned and protected

by using a high quality boat or automotive wax

or a commercial metal cleaner and protectant.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY ABRASIVE
MATERIALS SUCH AS SANDPAPER, BRONZE WOOL, OR STEEL
WOOL BE USED ON STAINLESS STEEL. DAMAGE TO THE
HARDWARE WILL RESULT.

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.

Hardtops, bimini tops or T-tops with canvas and/

or fiberglass tops 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 ex

posed aluminum on the structure. Make sure the

aluminum in this area is washed frequently with

soap and water and rinsed thoroughly. Pay par-

ticular attention to places where the top material

or lacing contact 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 aluminum and damage the

anodized surface.

ONE DRAWBACK TO METAL PROTECTORS IS THAT THEY CAN
MAKE THE METAL SLIPPERY. THEREFORE, THEY SHOULD BE
NOT BE USED ON TOWER LADDERS, STEERING WHEELS AND
OTHER AREAS WHERE A GOOD GRIP AND SURE FOOTING IS
IMPORTANT.

Stains can be removed with a metal polish or

fine polishing compound. To minimize corrosion,

use only high quality stainless steel fasteners on

aluminum fabrications. Isolate the fasteners from

the aluminum by using fiber washers and caulking

compound or Tef Gel to bed hardware and fas-

teners mounted to aluminum fabrications. If the

anodized coating is badly scratched, it will require

special attention and more frequent cleaning to

the damaged area. With proper care, anodized

aluminum will provide many years of service.

Powder Coated Aluminum