Tiara Yachts C49, Owner'S Manual, Page: 101 / 152

Routine Maintenance Section 11
11-3
43 LS
43 LS
DO NOT allow antifouling paint to contact
the outboard engines. Most antifouling paints
contain copper which will cause severe gal-
vanic damage to the motor. Leave a 1/2”
(12.7 mm) barrier between the hull bottom
paint and outboard engine.
Most bottom paints require maintenance,
especially when the boat is in saltwater or
not used for extended periods, or after dry
storage. If the hull bottom has been painted
with antifouling paint, contact your dealer for
the recommended maintenance procedures.
Sacrificial Anodes
Sacrificial zinc anodes are installed on the
trim tabs, transom, and outboard engines.
The transom anode is connected to the bond-
ing system and protects the underwater hard-
ware that is bonded.
The anodes are less noble than copper-based
alloys and aluminum and will deteriorate first,
protecting the more noble underwater hard-
ware against galvanic corrosion. Anodes
should be checked monthly and changed
when they are 75% of their original size.
When replacing the anodes, make sure the
contact surfaces are clean, shiny metal and
free of paint and corrosion. Never paint over
the anode or protect it.
Boats stored in saltwater will require anodes
to be replaced at least every 6 months to one
year. Anodes requiring replacement more
frequently may indicate a stray current prob-
lem within the boat or at the slip or marina.
Anodes that do not need to be replaced after
one year may not be providing the proper
protection. Loose or low quality anodes could
be the problem. Contact your Tiara Yachts
dealer for the proper size and type of anodes
to be used and the specific installation pro -
cedure.
Fiberglass Gelcoat Surfaces
Normal maintenance requires only washing
with mild soap and water. A stiff brush can
be used on the nonskid areas. Kerosene or
commercially prepared products will remove
oil and tar which could be a problem on trail-
ered boats. DO NOT use harsh abrasive and
chemical cleaners because they can damage
or dull the gelcoat, reducing its life and mak-
ing it more susceptible to stains. When the
boat is used in saltwater, wash it thoroughly
with soap and water after each use.
Sudden changes in temperature can affect
gelcoat. When planning on moving your boat
from outdoors to a heated location, allow the
change of temperature to be gradual. Warm
the location slowly after the boat is brought
inside to allow the boat to change tempera-
ture slowly as the location is warmed. Or, if
you are moving your boat from a warmer area
to a colder one, wait for the temperature to
be closer to the temperature of the warmer
area or allow the warmer area and the boat
to cool down.
At least once a season, wash and wax all
exposed fiberglass surfaces. Use a high qual
-
ity automotive or boat wax. Follow the proce -
dure recommended by the wax manufacturer.
Washing and waxing of your boat will have
the same beneficial effects as they have on
an automobile finish. The wax will fill minute
scratches and pores, which helps prevent
soiling and will extend the life of the gelcoat.
After the boat is exposed to the direct sunlight
for a period of time, the color in the gelcoat
will tend to fade, dull, or chalk from oxida-
tion of the gel. This condition will be more
apparent with dark colors, which require
more frequent maintenance. A heavier buff -
ing is required to bring the gelcoat 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.