Albemarle 41 CONVERTIBLE Owner'S Manual Download

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10 Convertible

Chapter 13:

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

13.1 Exterior Hull and Deck

Hull Cleaning-Below The Water Line

When the boat is removed from the water, clean the outer bot-
tom surface immediately. Algae, grass, dirt and other marine
growth is easier to remove while the hull is still wet. Use a
pressure cleaner or a hard bristle brush to clean the surface.

Bottom Painting

If the boat is to be left in saltwater for extended periods, the
hull  must  be  protected  from  marine  growth  by  antifouling
paint.    Because  of  variations  in  water  temperature,  marine
growth, and pollution in different regions, your dealer and/or
a qualiﬁed boat yard in your area should be consulted when
deciding what bottom paint system to apply to your hull.  This
is  extremely  important  as  pollution  and  marine  growth  can
damage ﬁberglass hulls.

SANDING  OR  SANDBLASTING  THE  HULL
BOTTOM WILL DAMAGE THE FIBERGLASS.  USE
ONLY  STANDARD  ANTIFOULING  PAINTS  AND
FIBERGLASS WAX  REMOVERS  AND  PRIMERS
RECOMMENDED  BY THE  ANTIFOULING  PAINT
MANUFACTURER WHEN  PREPARING THE  HULL
FOR BOTTOM PAINT.

Most bottom paints require some maintenance. Proper mainte-
nance is especially important when the boat is in saltwater and
not used for extended periods or after dry storage. If the hull
bottom has been painted with antifouling paint, contact your
dealer for the recommended maintenance procedures.

Sacriﬁcial Anodes

Sacriﬁcial zinc anodes are installed on the inboard engines’
freshwater cooling system and on the transom. The transom
zinc is connected to the bonding system and protects the rudder
assemblies, shaft logs and other underwater hardware that is
bonded. Additional zinc anodes are installed on the propeller
shafts and should be installed on the trim tabs if the boat is to
be left in the water.

The anodes are less noble than copper based alloys, aluminum
and stainless steel.  They will deteriorate ﬁrst, protecting the
more noble engine and underwater hardware against galvanic
corrosion.   Anodes should be checked monthly and changed
when they are 75% of their original size.  When replacing the
anodes, make sure the contact surfaces are clean, shiny metal
and free of paint and corrosion.  Never paint over the anode.
The bonding system should be inspected by a qualiﬁed marine

electrician once a year to make sure all connections are sound
and there is continuity throughout the system.

Boats stored in salt water will normally need to have the anodes
replaced every 6 months to one year. Anodes requiring replace-
ment more frequently may indicate a stray current problem
within the boat or at the slip or marina.  Anodes that do not
need to be replaced after one year may not be providing the
proper protection.  Loose or low quality anodes could be the
problem.  There could also be a problem in the bonding system.
Contact your dealer for the proper size and type of zinc anodes
to be used and the speciﬁc installation procedure.

Fiberglass Gelcoat Surfaces

Normal  maintenance  requires  only  washing  with  mild  soap
and water.  A stiff brush can be used on the nonskid areas.
Kerosene or commercially prepared products will remove oil
and tar which could be a problem on trailered boats.  Harsh
abrasive and chemical cleaners are not recommended because
they  can  damage  or  dull  the  gelcoat,  reducing  its  life  and
making it more susceptible to stains.  When the boat is used
in  saltwater,  it  should  be  washed  thoroughly  with  soap  and
water after each use.

At least once a season, wash and wax all exposed ﬁberglass
surfaces.  Use a high quality automotive or boat wax.  Follow
the procedure recommended by the wax manufacturer.  The
washing and waxing of your boat will have the same beneﬁcial
effects as they have on an automobile ﬁnish.  The wax will ﬁll
minute scratches and pores thus helping to prevent soiling and
will extend the life of the gelcoat.

After the boat is exposed to the direct sunlight for a period
of time, the color in the gelcoat tends to fade, dull or chalk.
A heavier bufﬁng is required to bring the gelcoat back to its
original  luster.    For  power  cleaning  use  a  light  cleaner.   To
clean the boat by hand, use a heavier automotive cleaner.  Be-
fore cleaning the surfaces, read the instructions given with the
cleaner.  After cleaning the surfaces, apply wax and polish all
ﬁberglass surfaces except the nonskid areas.

If the ﬁberglass should become damaged and need repair,
contact your dealer for an authorized repair person to make
the repairs.