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Section 9 - Getting to know your Boston Whaler
320 Outrage-Owner’s Manual
Hull Maintenance
Clean the bottom of your boat of marine growth im-
mediately, if the debris dries it will harden and will
make its removal very difficult.Waxing of the exte-
rior surfaces is recommended to be done at least twice
a year to protect the gelcoat of your boat. Com-
pounding may be neccessary to remove more stub-
born stains and chalking 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 abra-
sive 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. Stain-
less steel is strong and corrosion resistant, but still
requires maintenance to keep its appearance. Crev-
ice 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 ma-
rine 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
porous (intrusion of water into the gelcoat will take
some time). Blistering is caused by water soluble
materials in the hull laminate. The effect of osmotic
pressure allows water to impregnate below the
gelcoat and substrate; forming a blister. There have
been extensive university studies 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 fiberglass
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 pri-
mary cause of hull blisters. Stress cracks on the hulls
below the waterline also contributed to the forma-
tion of blisters on the hull. There are a variety of
ways to prevent the formation of hull blistering: Ep-
oxy coatings can be applied to the hull, followed by
hull painting.
An alkyd-urethane-silecone 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 form-
ing. Use of a trailer or boat lift will reduce the
liklihood 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 be-
fore any barrier protection can be applied. 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 keep-
ing bottom growth (fouling) under control. To deter-
mine 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 placement 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 and will re-
duce the adhesion properties of the paint. After the
dewaxing is complete, light sanding with 80 grit pa-
per is recommended. Proper ventilation and capture
of the dust created by sanding is essential. The dust
created is toxic and should not be breathed. A proper
fitting respirator must be used. DO NOT use a paper
filter mask. The paint can be applied after sanding
and cleaning is complete. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for applying the paint. Humidity and
weather will play a role in how and when the paint is
applied. Several thin layers are better than one thick
layer.
DANGER
There are risks and dangers inherent with the use of
paints and solvents. Dispose properly of all rags, roll-
ers and trays used for painting. Follow all the precau-
tions and regulations listed by the manufacturer before
and after painting your boats hull.
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