Four winns 238 Vista Owner'S Manual Download

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Vista Owners Manual
10/93

Section M

Page 2

M - 4

FIBERGLASS CARE & MAINTENANCE

Fiberglass is affected by weathering processes and re-
quires maintenance on a periodic basis to help maintain
the beauty and shine. The effects upon the gel coat will
be dependent upon boating conditions, storage, type of
use, and the care given to the boat during the boating
season.

A. General Maintenance

For fresh water use, the boat should be washed once or
twice a month. When using in a salt water environment,
considerable more care will be necessary. Be careful
when selecting a cleaning agent. Hand dishwashing
detergents are usually gentle and are recommended for
cleaning gel coat. Cleaning products such as Ivory or
Dawn hand dishwashing liquid can be safely used. Al-
ways read the label before using any product.

NOTICE

DO NOT use acetone, paint thinner, solvents,
or strong alkaline based detergents, nor clea-
ners with a “gritty” and abrasive texture. Avoid
products which contain sodium phosphate.
Common examples of these types of household
cleaning agents are: Tide, Oxydol,Janitor-in-a-
Drum, Fantastic, Clorox, etc. Always read the
label before using an agent.

There are several products available which are specifi-
cally designed to clean fiberglass exterior finishes. Many
companies like Johnson & Johnson, Turtle Wax, etc.
manufacture cleaning fluids mild enough to clean with-
out stripping the wax.

NOTICE

Treading on a soiled fiberglass surface can se-
verely scratch and mar the finish. Keep the fi-
berglass as clean as possible.

When cleaning non-skid areas, DO NOT attempt to use
a wire brush or sandpaper because this will remove the
non-skid gel.

Apply wax once a month to maintain gel coat lustre and
prevent fading or chalking. Read the label before using
any product. Make sure product is applicable to fiber-
glass. Refer to the brochure on gel coat care in your
owner’s packet. Also, consult a Four Winns dealer for
his recommendations.

Waxing decks, cockpit floors or other areas on
which one walks is not recommended. Waxing
will produce a very slippery surface, especially
when wet. Wax may also build-up in the
non-skid surfaces. Be sure all persons wear
deck shoes while aboard the boat. Footing will
be improved and feet will be protected from ac-
cidental cuts and bruises.

NOTICE

DO NOT use any carnauba based wax. The
gel coat will be permanently discolored.

A darkening or discoloration of the non-skid surfaces
can sometimes occur as a result of wax buildup. Expo-
sure to the sun and elements can turn the wax darker, or
occasionally can cause it to become flaky or powdery.
To remove, use fine rubbing compound and a low RPM
buffer (1200 to 2000 RPM). Apply light pressure and
keep the buffer moving at all times to prevent heat build
up. Read the directions before using any equipment.

B. Weathering Effects on Gel Coat

Weathering occurs from direct sunlight, water, chemi-
cals, and dust. Some of the terms below describe the
changes that can occur to the gel coat surface.

Chalking is a result of the gel coat’s top surface being
broken down into an extremely fine powder. When this
happens, the color whitens. The chalk is present on the
surface only.

Fading is the uniform change in color. This happens
when the actual pigments have changed color, espe-
cially from excessive chalking, or when the gel coat has
either been stained or bleached by something.

Yellowing is gel coat which has a yellow cast and strea-
king usually deals with a stain or contact with another
surface.

Gloss refers to the shine of the surface. This can change
from sanding action, chalk, residues, or exposure.

Blistering refers to a condition in which the unprotected
gel coat surface below the waterline has absorbed wa-
ter and formed bubbles. See Section M-5 for additional
information.