Welcraft 232 Coastal, Owner'S Manual

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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 trailered boats. Harsh abrasive and
chemical cleaners are not recommended because
they can damage or dull the gelcoat, reducing its life
and making it more susceptible to stains. When the
boat is used in saltwater, it should be washed
thoroughly with soap and water after each use.
At least once a season, wash and wax all exposed
fiberglass surfaces. Use a high quality automotive or
boat wax. Follow the procedure recommended by
the wax manufacturer. The 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 thus helping to 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 tends to
fade, dull or chalk. A heavier buffing 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.
If the fiberglass should become damaged and need
repair, contact your dealer for an authorized repair
person to make the repairs.
Stainless Steel Hardware
When using the boat in saltwater, the hardware
should be washed with soap and water after each
use. When a boat is used in a corrosive environment
such as saltwater, water with a high sulfur 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.
Anodized Aluminum Surfaces
Anodized aluminum should be washed periodically
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.
T-Tops with anodized aluminum frames, bimini 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 exposed aluminum on the structure. Make sure
the aluminum in this area is washed frequently with
soap and water and rinsed thoroughly. Pay
particular attention to places where the top material
contacts 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 salt water.
Stains can be removed anodized aluminum with a
metal polish or fine polishing compound. To
minimize corrosion, use a caulking compound or
teflon based sealer to bed hardware and fasteners
mounted to aluminum fabrications. If the anodized
coating is badly scratched it can be touched up with
paint. With proper care, anodized aluminum will
provide many years of service.
Powder Coated Aluminum
Powder coated aluminum should be washed
periodically 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
powder coated aluminum will penetrate the coating
and attack the aluminum, usually around fasteners
and hardware mounted to the aluminum.
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