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Maintenance

BOTTOM PAINT

Any boat left in salt or fresh water for more than a few days should have the gelcoat surface protected with a two-part epoxy paint followed by an anti-fouling paint. This will retard marine growth and help protect gelcoat from possible blistering. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR BOAT IN THE WATER FOR ANY EXTENDED TIME WITHOUT BOTTOM PAINT.

In choosing the type of anti-fouling paint, consult with your friends or dealers and purchase the type most effective or most popular in your area. Mask the hull and apply the anti-fouling paint according to the specific instructions of the paint manufacturer. Most will recommend priming or etching the gelcoat with a wash. Do not short cut this or the anti-fouling paint will not adhere properly.

Approximate water line drawings for all models 18 thru 25 are available. However, these may vary slightly because of the variety of engine combinations and individual equipment on each boat. The best method to determine the exact water line on our boat is to launch and mark the bow and stern. The boat can then be hauled, leveled athwart ship, and trimmed fore and aft so the bow and stem marks are equal distance from the level floor. A piece of wood cut to the distance between the floor and the marks can be used to guide further marks completely around the hull. Mask off to this line. Raising the water line to be two or three inches higher than the float line will prevent scum marks from appearing on the gelcoat.

Dwg: Water line sample

GELCOAT

Gelcoat is the outer cosmetic skin on the boat. It is a durable layer of pigmented resin which makes routine maintenance relatively simple. The best way to keep the gelcoat on your boat looking fresh is by regular routine maintenance. Cleaning gelcoat should be done with a mild household detergent or boat soap followed by a rinse down with plenty of fresh water. A good coat of wax—either automotive or boat wax—at least twice a year will help maintain the smooth, glossy finish and protect the boat's surface. Do not wax surfaces that may be walked on, as they will become quite slippery when wet.

Most of these areas have a non-skid surface molded in. Cleaning the non-skid surface is best accomplished with a scrub brush.

Gelcoat is a very durable material, but it can chip, crack, scratch or blister over the years and use. These are all cosmetic conditions which can usually be repaired easily and do not affect structure. Matching gelcoat and hull repair kits are available from your local dealer or Boston Whaler. These kits contain a detailed instruction sheet for most minor repairs. [Also see an illustrated repair article in the Reference Section.]

CANVAS CARE

The following steps will assist you in maintaining your boat's canvas.

  1. Dry all canvas before storing to prevent mildew.
  2. Canvas items, not clear vinyl, can be washed periodically using a mild dish-washing type soap and warm water. On heavier stains light scrubbing with a soft brush can be used.
  3. Clear vinyl panels have a wax which keeps them pliable. Cleaning should be done with a soft cloth only, followed by a light coat of clear wax.
  4. Frequently lubricate snaps and studs with petroleum jelly. Zippers should be periodically lubricated with a paraffin wax.

TEAK CARE

Teak is used on your Boston Whaler because of its beauty and easy maintenance. Teak weathers well because of natural oils in the wood, however, after repeated exposure it will turn gray. Teak should be cleaned with detergent or commercially available teak cleaner and re-oiled to return it to its natural color.

STAINLESS STEEL and HARDWARE

The deck hardware on your Boston Whaler is made of various metals, all suited for a particular strength requirement. All rails, fastenings, and much of the hardware is stainless steel.

Stainless steel, although strong and corrosion resistant, does require regular periodic maintenance. Stainless steel surfaces must be kept clean and free of accumulated dirt and grit. Crevice corrosion, a brownish coloring, can occur on stainless components where one piece of stainless hardware joins another.

This condition is usually caused by impurities in water and air and can be cleaned off easily with any marine metal polish using a sponge, cloth or small bristled brush (useful for getting into nooks and crannies). CAUTION—Never use steel or bronze wool for any cleaning applications! Tiny particles will fall off, getting into gelcoat and causing rust stains.

After cleaning, some owners wax hardware to make future maintenance easier. Stainless, like gelcoat, becomes slippery when waxed, so caution should be exercised.

STORAGE

If your boat is out of use during the winter months or is laid-up for an extended time, the following should be done:

  1. Check your engine manual regarding necessary procedures for winterizing and lay-up. These instructions are important and when followed will help your engine survive severe winter conditions.
  2. Clean and wax your boat before storage. Remove any marine growth from the bottom immediately after the boat is removed from the water before debris hardens, making removal more difficult.
  3. If storing on a trailer, cradle, or jack stands, the boat should be supported on the keel. This is the strongest part of the boat. Side jacks need only prevent lateral movements. Store with bow elevated.
  4. Leave all drains open. This will keep the boat dry and provide ventilation.
  5. Remove water from tanks on those models equipped with water systems.
  6. Fill fuel tanks and add dry gas.
  7. Close windows and bow deck hatch tightly.

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Author: Adapted to HTML by James W. Hebert This article first appeared February 5, 2005.