Wellcraft 180 Sportsman, 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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