Welcraft 232 Coastal, Owner'S Manual

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Pay special attention to the area just below the top
on powder coated frames. 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 powder coating near fasteners
and hardware mounted just below the top is more
likely to be attacked by the salt and become
corroded than the exposed areas 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 check the entire frame for damaged
powder coating and corrosion around fasteners and
hardware. Nicked or badly scratched powder coating
can be sanded and touched up with enamel paint.
Corrosion around fasteners will have to be sanded,
then touched up with paint. The fasteners will
require fiber washers and sealing with caulk or a
teflon based sealer to isolate the fastener from the
aluminum and prevent damage to the paint or
powder coating when the fastener is installed.
Periodically applying automotive or boat wax to the
powder coating will provide additional protection
from the harsh effects of saltwater.
Always repair scratches, nicks and corroded areas in
powder coating as soon as possible. Corrosion left
unaddressed will lift the powder coating allowing
moisture to travel between the powder coating and
the aluminum causing the corrosion to spread below
the coating and damage the aluminum.
If excessive chipping and peeling occurs, it could be
an indication of an electrical fault in the boat or
aluminum fabrication. You should contact a qualified
marine electrician to inspect your boat immediately
and correct the problem if you suspect that your
boat may have a fault in the aluminum frame. You
should also contact Wellcraft Customer Service.
Note: Boats that are towed behind larger
vessels require special attention to the
aluminum hardware. The salt spray,
salty steam, and chemicals in exhaust
gases are particularly corrosive and
will eventually penetrate and damage
the surface of anodized or powder
coated aluminum. It is imperative that
the boat and the aluminum are cleaned
thoroughly at the completion of each
trip or at the end of each day on long
cruises to reduce accelerated
deterioration of the anodizing or
powder coating and premature
corrosion to the aluminum.
Note: You should contact Wellcraft Customer
Service before making any
modifications to aluminum
fabrications. Unauthorized
modifications can void the warranty.
Chrome Hardware
Use a good chrome cleaner and polish on all chrome
hardware.
Acrylic Plastic Glass
Acrylic glass scratches easily. Never use a dry cloth
or glass cleaning solutions on acrylic. Use a soft
cloth and mild soap and water for routine cleaning.
Solvents and products containing ammonia can
permanently damage acrylic plastic glass.
Fine scratches can be removed with a fine
automotive clear coat polishing compound. A coat of
automotive or boat wax is beneficial to protect the
surface.
Do not use the following on acrylic glass:
Abrasive cleaners Acetone Solvents Alcohol Glass
cleaners Cleaners containing ammonia
11.2 Upholstery, Canvas and Enclosures
Vinyl Upholstery
The vinyl upholstery used on the exterior seats and
bolsters, and for the headliner in the cabin should be
cleaned periodically with soap and water. Any stain,
spill or soiling should be cleaned up promptly to
prevent the possibility of permanent staining. When
cleaning, always rub gently. Avoid using products
containing ammonia, powdered abrasive cleaners,
steel wool, 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.
The following are typical stains and cleaning
tips for vinyl:
• 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.
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