Boston Whaler 370 Outrage Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 190 / 204

5-2

Section 5 • Care & Maintenance

370 Outrage

Hull Maintenance

If  using  a  pressure  washer  to  clean  the  hull  and
deck surfaces of your boat it is important that you
use  the  wide  fan  nozzle  only  and  move  the  spray
head  in  a  continuous  motion.  Do  not  concentrate
the high pressure on a small area of the boat surface
and  NEVER  use  the  fi ne  pinpoint  nozzle  as  the
concentrated stream can cause damage to the surface
of your boat.

It is also recommended that you refrain from
pressure washing the console as high pressure may
compromise the integrity of the electronics and
gauges as well as other equipment installed on your
boat. Also avoid pressure washing all caulk seams.

When staining from build-up does occur, use only
cleaning agents that are recommended for marine gel
coat for use on those stubborn stains.

NEVER

use an abrasive cleaner to wash your boat’s

hull.

NEVER

use an abrasive pad to attempt to remove

stubborn stains.

NEVER

use strong solvents to clean.

NEVER

apply tape or any other type of adhesives

directly to the painted surfaces on your boat.

Use care when covering your boat’s painted surfaces
as tarps and other such covers can trap dirt and
cause chafi ng. It is best to use a frame of either
aluminum or wood to keep the cover up and allow
air to circulate.

Hull Blistering

Due to the quality of the materials used in the hulls
of Boston Whalers, blistering is rarely ever seen.
Blistering is caused by water soluble materials in
the hull laminate. The fi berglass and resin structure
of your boat is porous. However, intrusion of water
into the gel coat will take some time. The effect of
osmotic pressure allows water to impregnate below
the gel coat and substrate thus forming a blister.

There have been extensive university studies funded
by the United States Coast Guard regarding the cause

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

NOTICE

If blisters are present in the hull, they need to
be properly cleaned and dried out before any
barrier protection can be applied.

and effect of blistering in the gel coat of fi berglass
boats. Fiberglass blisters can form anywhere from
near-surface layers of the gel coat to very deep into
the fi berglass 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 hull below the waterline also contribute to the
formation of hull blisters.

Prevention

There are a variety of ways to prevent 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 storage of the boat out
of water.

Contact your Boston Whaler

dealer for more

information on the prevention and treatment of hull
blisters.