P
eriodic
cleaning
is
the
best
way
to
keep
your
boat
looking like new. Regular washing and waxing
keep dirt and build-up from deteriorating the finish.
Keeping your boat in a showroom-new condition results
in personal satisfaction and higher resale value.
The boat is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic resin
material that is easy to clean and care for. Several lay-
ers of resin material are chemically bonded together to
form the hull. The smooth outside surface of the hull
is a layer of gel coat resin. While the gel coat is solid
color, the thickness of the layer is only a few millimeters
thick—like paint on a car but much tougher, and chemi-
cally bonded.
Beneath the gel coat surface is a series of layers of
chemical resin, fiberglass mat and woven roving. It is
these layers that give the boat its strength and maintain
the hull shape. The boat bottom also uses special core-
mat material for its strength-to-weight and superior ma-
rine performance.
Hull
When washing the boat, be sure to use a mild detergent,
such as Dawn or Ivory dish soap, or similar commercially-
produced detergent, and warm water solution. DO NOT
use abrasive cleaners, solvents, ammonia or chlorine, as
these will damage the gel coat surface. Under extreme
conditions, special cleaners may be used to remove ma-
rine growth from the hull. (See an authorized MasterCraft
service department for further instructions.)
Upholstery
While the vinyl is made to withstand the elements, it is
important to care for vinyl by keeping it clean at all times.
Many substances may stain the vinyl if left untreated over
a period of time. Remember to remove any contaminant
and clean vinyl immediately.
Regular washing with mild detergent (see attached in-
formation) and warm water or vinyl cleaners is sufficient
to keep the cushion and vinyl coverings in good condi-
tion. Do not soak the cushion, and dry thoroughly after
washing to prevent mildew accumulations when the boat
is covered. Spray the cushions with a mildew repellent
and prop them up in the boat when it is covered to take
advantage of air circulation.
MasterCraft vinyls are made to withstand the effects of
sun, heat, acid rain and soiling, under normal conditions,
but this does not preclude the cleaning requirements.
Please consult the following cleaning recommendations
before cleaning your upholstery.
Certain household cleaners, powdered abrasives, steel
wool, and industrial cleaners may cause damage and dis-
coloration, and are not recommended for use. Dry clean-
ing fluids and lacquer solvents should not be used as they
will remove the printed pattern and gloss. Waxes are not
recommended, as many contain dyes and solvents that
can permanently damage the vinyl’s protective coating.
In some instances, consumers have reported the appear
-
ance of a pink stain on vinyl that is resistant to various
cleaning methods.Although there can be other causes
for pink staining in vinyls, most pink stains are caused
by dyes produced by micro-organisms. These dyes are
metabolic products of the micro-organisms, otherwise
known as a form of fungi.
It is virtually impossible for consumers to avoid these
micro-organisms as they exist in the atmosphere, which
are more prevalent in high-humidity areas. Rain cleanses
the air, with the result being that the micro-organisms are
deposited on items such as marine vinyl.
While the vinyl is treated to resist the growth of micro-
organisms (meaning the vinyl is not a food source), the
cleaning
the boat
2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 13-1
cleaning
the boat
