35
TROPHY Owner’s Manual Supplement
1901 Bay - 2101 Bay - 2401 Bay
Hull Maintenance
Clean the bottom of your boat of marine growth
immediately, 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 protect the gelcoat of your boat. Compound may be
necessary to remove more stubborn stains and chalking
from the surface of your boat, compounding must be
done after washing and prior to waxing. Check with
your Trophy 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)
Your boat comes standard with a vinylester barrier coat
which provides excellent protection against environmental
conditions that lead to blistering. In fact, blistering is
extremely rare with a vinylester coat. The following
information provides cause and prevention methods
regarding blistering.
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 occurrence). 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
blisters on the hull. There are a variety of ways to prevent
Painting the bottom of your boats hull is a good way
to slow the formation of hull blisters, and also keeping
bottom 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 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 reduce the adhesion properties of the paint. After the
dewaxing is complete, light sanding with 80 grit paper 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.
Bottom Painting
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 the precautions and regulations listed
by the manufacturer before and after painting
your boats hull.
!
DANGER
the formation of hull blistering: Epoxy coatings can be
applied to the hull, followed by hull painting. 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 applied. Contact your Trophy
dealer for more information on prevention and treatment
of hull blisters.