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Table Of Contents
www.SkeeterBoats.com
CARE / MAINTENANCE
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Boat Finish
Most things, when left outdoors, man-made or natural, will gradually deteriorate from exposure to
sunlight, water, dust, and chemicals in the air. Such exposure may cause your boat’s surface to show
a variety of changes, including but not limited to:
• Chalking (fine powdery whiteness on the surface)
• Fading (gradual loss of color)
• Clouding (milky looking spots)
• Yellowing
• Loss of gloss
Routine, periodic maintenance is the only practical way to keep the surface of your boat looking good.
Maintenance Procedures
You will get years of boating pleasure while slowing the changes described previously by following the
simple maintenance procedures described below.
When Not in Use
Sunlight and dust can be your boat’s worst enemies. Keep your boat covered when not in use. A
boat cover (option available from your Skeeter Dealer), preferably light in color, is a wise investment
to help prevent damage while the boat is stored or on the road. DO NOT use sheet plastic or other
nonporous materials, which can trap moisture between the cover and the boat’s surface.
Each Month
Wash the boat’s surface with a mild soap to remove normal accumulation of soil and stain. Avoid
any kind of alkaline cleansers such as trisodium phosphate (TSP), abrasives, bleaches, or ammonia.
DO NOT use acids or other strong chemicals to clean the boat. For best results, use cleaners
recommended for fiberglass and follow the instructions on the label.
Twice Yearly (Minimum)
Wax your boat’s gelcoat surface to help prevent loss of gloss and protect the finish. Use only wax
recommended for use on fiberglass and follow the instructions carefully. Apply only a thick coat of
wax to a small area (3 x 3 ft [1 x 1 m]) at a time using clean applicator cloths. If you are using a power
buffer, never use one that turns faster than 4000 RPM. High heat may build up and cause damage
to the finish. NEVER wax a gelcoat surface that has been sitting in the sun and is hot. Never wax a
gelcoat surface in direct sunlight.
Carpet
Your Skeeter carpet has built-in stain and soil release characteristics for easy, less costly
maintenance. Maintenance such as vacuuming, hosing, and washing should be performed regularly.
Most stains and mildews are easily removed from the carpet. To clean mildew off the carpet, first
check the cleaner on a small area of carpet that is hidden to determine compatibility of cleaner and
carpet. “FISH ATTRACTANTS,” which are commonly sprayed on lures, and some insect repellants
will cause deterioration of the carpet backing. Spray these formulas away from your boat carpet, and
clean any spills promptly. DO NOT use pressure sprayers to clean boat carpet.
