Regal 32 EXPRESS Owner'S Manual Download

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Chapter 8

FIBERGLASS & GELCOAT

Routine maintenance is the only practical way to keep the
surface of  your boat looking shiny and new. Most objects
left outdoors will gradually deteriorate from exposure to
the sun, water, dust and pollution. Such outdoor expo-
sure can cause your boat’s gelcoated surface to change
or fade. Darker colors tend to fade more rapidly than
lighter colors because they absorb more of  the sun’s rays
(ultraviolet and infrared).
Basic  maintenance  includes  monthly  washing  of   the
boat’s surface to remove normal accumulation of  soil and
stain. Use a mild detergent such as dishwasher powder
or liquid. Do not use automatic dishwasher detergent.
Avoid any kind of  alkaline cleaners such as tri-sodium
phosphate  (TSP),  abrasives,  bleaches  and  ammonia.
For best results use cleaners that are recommended for
fi berglass.

When the washing and waxing as recommended does not
restore the shine it may be necessary to use a fi ne rubbing
compound.  Do  not  apply  rubbing  compound  in  direct
sunlight. A power buffer at lower speeds does an excel-
lent job to remove impurities from the gel coat that cause
dulling. Use light pressure and keep the buffer moving.
Re-wax after compounding to buff  the surface.
“Hairline cracks” or “spider webbing” could develop in
the gelcoat surface of  a hull or deck. This can be caused
by  impact or other factors. Small air pockets or gouges
may also occur through normal

wear.

These do not affect

the strength of the hull or deck and can be repaired by
yourself, a marine professional or a Regal dealer.
The affected area should be chipped or sanded away and
a thin layer of color matched gelcoat applied. This layer
is then sanded smooth and buffed to its original luster.
Most minor scratches, nicks, and dents can be removed
by compounding the surface. Marine type compounds can
be found at most auto body supply stores.
Specify a number 25 which is a coarser compound up to a
number 55

being less coarse. Various glazes and polishes

are available as needed. Ask your marine professional or
Regal  dealer  for  more  information.  Fiberglass  hulls  are
strong but they can be damaged. A fi berglass hull has vir-
tually no internal stresses. Thus when a part is broken or
punctured, the rest of  the hull retains its original shape. A
severe blow will either be absorbed or result in a defi nite
localized break. A break of  this nature should be checked
and repaired by a marine professional or a Regal dealer.

MINOR REPAIRS

You will need the following materials for minor repairs:

•

Gelcoat

•

Clear Liquid Catalyst

•

Putty Knife

•

Razor Blade

•

Fine Sandpaper (400,600,1000)

•

Wax Paper (to cover repair area)

It is recommended that you wax the gelcoat surface twice
yearly to prevent loss of gloss and to protect the fi nish.
Use only waxes for fi berglass and follow the label instruc-
tions. Apply a 3’ x 3’ section at a time using clean applicator
cloths or a buffi ng bonnet. When a haze develops, use a
power buffer at low speeds (1200-2000 rpm) to remove
the haze. Keep the buffer moving to avoid heat build-up.
Never wax gelcoat in direct sun.

Regal 32 EXPRESS, Owner'S Manual

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