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the original gloss and color. See a local dealer for advice on wax for
your boating region. The wax film will seal the pores as well as en-
hance the looks of your boat. DO NOT wax non-skid surfaces, they
will become slippery. While waxing your boat inspect the surface for
any damage. Have the damage corrected as soon as possible.
Gelcoat will age or dull naturally. Discolorations are shallow in
depth. Factors that will affect the rate of discoloration are: the sun,
pollution, old wax accumulation and the salt content of water. Polish-
ing compound (fine abrasive) or rubbing compound (coarse abrasive)
is recommended for use on fiberglass finishes to remove scratches,
stains or restore severely weathered surfaces. These products can be
applied by hand or mechanical means. The process below will help
restore fiberglass finishes:
Clean the affected area with a good detergent.
Remove stubborn stains or discoloration by gently wet sanding
the affected areas with 600 grit “wet or dry” sandpaper. ALWAYS
SAND IN ONE DIRECTION. Use plenty of water and sand curves
in the same direction. Dry the area to make sure all the discolora-
tion has been removed. Repeat this process if necessary.
Buff using a polishing compound suitable for fiberglass, an elec-
tric buffer (1750- 1800 RPM) and an 8-inch lamb’s wool pad.
REPAIRING
Though gelcoat is a very durable material, it is susceptible to
scratches, blistering and web-like cracks (crazing) over time. It is
elastic enough, however, to withstand strong blows while flexing with
the hull’s movement
.
Gelcoat problems are cosmetic and will not
27
COMMON NAUTICAL TERMS
Abeam -
Perpendicular to a boat’s keel, side-to-side
Access Plate -
A removable, watertight cover that provides quick
entry to enclosed areas for maintenance or visual inspection.
Aft -
Toward the rear or stern of boat.
Beam -
The greatest width of a boat.
Bilge -
The lower interior compartment(s) of the hull.
Bow -
The forward/front part of a boat.
Bow Eye -
A U-shaped hull fitting used to attach the trailer winch to
the boat.
Bulkhead -
Vertical partition between compartments inside the hull.
Chine -
Outer bottom edge of the hull; the junction of the side of the
boat and the bottom.
Cleat -
Deck fitting with arms or horns on which lines are fastened.
Deck
- Upper structure which covers the hull.
Draft
- Depth of water required to float the boat.
Fathom
- A depth measurement equal to six feet.
Freeboard -
Distance from the topside of the gunwale to the water-
line of the hull.
Gunwale (or Gunnel)
- Top outer periphery of the deck
Hatch
- An opening in the deck.
Head -
A toilet or toilet area in a boat.
Headroom
- Vertical distance between the deck and cabin or canopy
top.
Hull
- The lower outer “shell” of the boat.
Keel -
The lowest external portion of the hull; the junction of the two
sides of the bottom.
Knot -
Unit of speed in nautical miles per hour.
Lee -
The side that is sheltered from the wind.
List -
To tilt or lean to one side.
Port -
The left side of the boat when facing the bow.
Scupper -
Holes permitting water to drain overboard the boat.
Sheer -
Curve or sweep of the deck as viewed from the side; the
joint between the deck and hull
Starboard -
The right side of the boat when facing the bow.
Stern -
The rear end of a boat.
Stern eye -
A U-shaped hull fitting used to secure the stern of the
boat to the trailer.
Stringer -
Longitudinal members in the hull that provide structural
strength.
Transom -
The flat area across the aft end of the hull.
Wake -
The waves made in the water by a moving boat.