305 Conquest-Owner’s Manual
Section 8 - Getting to know your Boston Whaler
An alkyd-urethane-silicone marine paint can also be used
to aid in the prevention of hull blisters.
Reducing the amount of time that your boat stays in the
water also helps prevent hull blisters from forming. Use
of a trailer or boat lift will reduce the likelihood of hull
blisters forming. Be sure to use a bunk type lift or trailer
for long term storage of the boat out of water. If blisters
are present in the hull; they need to be properly cleaned
and dried out before any barrier protection can be ap-
plied. Contact your Boston Whaler® dealer for more
information on prevention and treatment of hull blisters.
Bottom Painting
Painting the bottom of your boats hull is a good way to
slow the formation of hull blisters, and also keeping bot-
tom growth (fouling) under control. To determine the
waterline, you will need to place the boat in water and
with a full load of fuel and gear, mark the waterline.
Measure above the marked line 1 to 3 inches for place-
ment of the tape line. Masking tape is not recommended
for the types of paint you will be using. Preparation is
the key to a successful hull painting. If the hull is bare,
the gelcoat will have to be dewaxed before sanding can
begin;otherwise the wax will be dragged into the scratches
DANGER
There are risks and dangers inherent with the use of
paints and solvents. Dispose properly of all rags, rollers
and trays used for painting. Follow all precautions and
regulations listed by the manufacturer before and after
painting your boats hull.
!
Clean the bottom of your boat of marine growth imme-
diately, if the debris dries it will harden and will make its
removal very difficult.Waxing of the exterior surfaces is
recommended to be done at least twice a year to pro-
tect the gelcoat of your boat. Compounding may be
neccessary to remove more stubborn stains and chalk-
ing from the surface of your boat, compounding must be
done after washing and prior to waxing. Check with
your Boston Whaler ® dealer on a compatible rubbing
compound for your boat. When washing your windshield
never use abrasive powders, gritty cloths or steel wool.
Always use a damp cloth or a chamois when drying.
Metal trim and fittings will stay bright if coated with a
good grade metal polish or paste wax after washing.
Stainless steel is strong and corrosion resistant, but still
requires maintenance to keep its appearance. Crevice
corrosion, a brownish coloring; occurs where two pieces
of stainless hardware meet.
This condition is caused by impurities in water and air
and can be cleaned easily with a good grade marine
polish using a sponge, cloth or small bristled brush (for
nooks and crannies).
Hull Maintenance, (Blisters)
The fiberglass and resin structure of your boat is po-
rous. The effect of osmotic pressure allows water to im-
pregnate below the gelcoat and substrate; forming a blis-
ter. Blistering is caused by water soluble materials in the
Hull Maintenance
hull laminate. There have been extensive university stud-
ies funded by the United States Coast Guard regarding
the cause and effect of blisters forming in the gelcoat of
fiberglass boats. Fiberglass blisters can form in near-
surface layers of the gelcoat to very deep into the fiber-
glass structure. The damage can range from cosmetic to
catastrophic, (although the latter is a very rare
occurance). The studies seemed to point toward long
term immersion of the hull in warm water as a primary
cause of hull blisters. Stress cracks on the hulls below
the waterline also contributed to the formation of blis-
ters on the hull, (intrusion of water into the gelcoat will
take some time). There are a variety of ways to prevent
the formation of hull blistering: Epoxy coatings can be
applied to the hull, followed by hull painting.
turely corrode the bearings. Check with the trailer manu-
facturer for scheduled maintenence of you trailer.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
The batteries should be removed from the boat. Re-
move the negative (-) cable first, then the positive (+)
cable and the battery given a full charge. Clean the ex-
ternal surface of the battery and check all water levels
before and after charging. Grease both terminals and
bolts on the cable ends.
DRAINAGE:
The livewell system will need to be checked prior to
storage. Open all seacocks to allow for drainage. It is
important to raise the bow of the boat enough to allow
for proper drainage of water from the deck and bilge
area. Make sure all the drainage fittings are clear and
free of debris. Store the engine in an upright position to
promote adequate drainage of water.
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