Scout Boats 350 LXF, Owner'S Manual

Page: 118 / 166

118
Routine Maintenance
Avoid using fuels with alcohol additives. Gasoline
that is an alcohol blend will absorb moisture from
the air which can reach such concentrations that
“phase separation” can occur whereby the water
and alcohol mixture becomes heavy enough to
settle out of the gasoline to the bottom of the
tank. Since the fuel pick up tubes are very near
the bottom of the tank, phase separation can
cause the engines to run very poorly or not at all.
This condition is more severe with methyl alcohol
and will worsen as the alcohol content increases.
Water or a jelly like substance in the fuel filters
are an indication of possible phase separation from
the use of alcohol blended fuels.
13.2 Upholstery, Canvas and Enclosures
Vinyl Upholstery
The vinyl upholstery used on the seats, cushions,
bolsters, and for the headliner in some cabins,
should be cleaned periodically with mild soap and
water. Any stain, spill or soiling should be cleaned
up promptly to prevent the possibility of perma-
nent staining. When cleaning, always rub gently.
Avoid using products containing ammonia, pow-
dered abrasive cleaners, steel wool, ink, strong
solvents, acetone and lacquer solvents or other
harsh chemicals as they can cause permanent
damage or shorten the life of vinyl. Never use
steam heat, heat guns or hair dryers on vinyl.
Stronger cleaners, detergents and solvents may
be effective in stain removal, but can cause either
immediate damage or slow deterioration. Lotions,
sun tan oil, waxes and polishes, etc., contain oils
and dyes that can cause stiffening and staining
of vinyls.
• Dry soil, dust and dirt - Remove with a soft
cloth.
• Dried on dirt - Wash with a soft cloth dampened
with water.
• Variations in surface gloss - Wipe with a water
dampened soft cloth and allow to air dry.
• Stubborn dirt - Wash with a soft cloth
dampened with Ivory Flakes® and water.
Rinse with clean water.
• Stubborn spots and stains - Spray with either
Fantastik Cleaner® or Tannery Car Care
Cleaner® and rub with a soft cloth. Rinse with
clean water.
• Liquid spills - Wipe immediately with a clean
absorbent cloth. Rinse with clean water.
• Food grease and oily stains - Spray immediately
using either Fantastik Cleaner® or Tannery Car
Care Cleaner®, wiping with a soft cloth. Take
care not to extend the area of contamination
beyond its original boundary. Rinse with clean
water.
Acrylic Canvas (Sunbrella)
Modern, bright colored canvas tops are usu -
ally fabricated from acrylic fabrics with the trade
names like Sunbrella®, Argonaut®, etc. Acrylic
fabrics look similar to cotton canvas but are much
more durable and color fast.
Acrylic canvas can be cleaned by using Ivory
Flakes, Ivory Liquid or another mild soap and wa -
ter. Scrub lightly and rinse thoroughly to remove
the soap. Do not use detergents, as they will
deteriorate the waterproofing in the fabric. The
underside can be brushed with a soft brush and
sprayed with a disinfectant to prevent the accumu-
lation of dirt and mildew. The top or accessories
should never be folded or stored wet.
In fresh water areas, the top and curtains should
be washed weekly. This is particularly important
if the boat is stored near a highway, airport or in
a large city. Residue from jet fuel, exhaust fumes
and industrial pollution can shorten the life of tops
and enclosures.
In saltwater areas, the top and curtains should
be rinsed with fresh water after each use and
at least weekly if it is stored outside. Saltwater
attracts moisture and dirt can shorten the life of
fabric tops and enclosures. The salt is also abra-
sive and can cause premature wear in the fabric
and stitching.
After several years, the acrylic canvas may lose
some of its ability to shed water. If this occurs,
wash the fabric and let it dry thoroughly. Then
treat the outside surface with a commercially
available waterproofing designed for this purpose.
Waterproofing is available in bulk at most canvas
shops. One-gallon garden sprayers are excellent
for applying waterproofing.
NOTICE:
Some leakage at the seams is normal and
unavoidable with acrylic enclosures.