Owner`s manual

6.1
Proper care helps assure that your boat will continue to look
like new after years of service. We recommend that main-
tenance and repairs be performed by your dealer, however,
some owners may prefer to take care of routine maintenance
and repairs themselves. For those individuals, this chapter
includes general information and basic procedures.
When your boat is not in use, protect it from the elements by
storing it inside, under a roof, with a mooring cover or play-
pen cover over it, or with furniture covers installed. Do not
store your boat outside. Do not dock the boat under trees, as
dirt, leaves and other debris will accumulate on the floor and
vinyl surfaces. This may cause stains or mold.
IMPORTANT: Check with your dealer before beginning any
maintenance or repair if you are not sure about the proper
tools, equipment and supplies to be used. Wash your boat
and tubes after each use. Check with your local dealer for
proper care and maintenance if using in salt or brackish
waters.
NOTE: Always refer to the manufacturers’ manuals for de-
tailed maintenance and repair procedures. If information in
this manual conflicts with information in the manufacturer’s
manuals, the manufacturers’ manuals must take precedence.
ENGINE
Refer to the engine Owner’s Manual for recommended fre-
quencies and detailed information about engine care, mainte-
nance and recommended fuels. If you have operated the boat
in shallow or salt water, flush the engine with fresh water at
the end of your boating excursion.
ALUMINUM SURFACES
Cleaning
Treat natural aluminum portions of aluminum boats with a
clear protective coating to reduce natural oxidation. Rinse
occasionally with clear water or mild detergent to keep these
portions of the boat clean. Use water and mild detergent for
cleaning and protect the surface with a liquid cleaner or wax.
Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Remove stains or light corrosion with a good metal polish.
Buff with a ne rubbing compound only if necessary. Remove
algae, scum, or other marine growth while they are still wet.
They are much harder to remove if they have had a chance to
dry out.
Painting
Some anti-fouling paints react adversely with aluminum. Do
not use paints containing copper, mercury or lead on alumi-
num boats with or without primer. Anti-fouling paint may be
used if you do not run your boat in salt water. Ask your dealer
to recommend the right paint for your situation.
6 CARING FOR YOUR BOAT
Corrosion/Electrolysis
Modern boat building techniques minimize corrosion prob-
lems on aluminum models; nevertheless, corrosion can occur
when dissimilar metals come in contact and are wetted by
contaminated water. In general, saltier water leads to faster
corrosion. To minimize this problem, use a gasket when
mounting non-aluminum xtures or hardware to aluminum.
Never use an aluminum boat as the ground wire for an electri-
cal circuit. Electrical equipment should be completely insu-
lated from the vessel to eliminate electrolysis and corrosion.
NOTE: There is danger of an electric current in the water near
boats linked to shore power.
Sacrificial anodes are required for saltwater and help reduce
the chances of damage to your boat. Call your dealer with
questions.
IMPORTANT: Do not attach copper, steel, brass or bronze di-
rectly to the aluminum on your pontoon. Doing so may cause
an electrolytic reaction. Use only aluminum or stainless steel
or separate dissimilar metals with a gasket.
PLASTIC COMPONENT MAINTENANCE
Keep the dull and shiny plastic surfaces clean in order to pre-
vent dust and dirt from forming an unattractive film.
Clean the dull and rough plastic surfaces with warm soapy
water and a scrub brush. Be sure to use mild soap, a dish liq-
uid or equivalent, and a soft bristled brush. Do not at any time
use an abrasive detergent/vehicle cleaner or a wire bristled
brush. The plastic can become permanently scratched. Clean-
ing the shiny and smooth plastic components requires dif-
ferent care. Use a spray bottle glass cleaner and soft cotton
cloth or sponge. Having a soft cloth/sponge is vital to clean-
ing. Also, make sure the cleaner used is specified as a glass
treatment. If these specific products are not used, serious
damage to the plastic may result. For maximum shine, polish
the smooth plastic surfaces in a light circular motion.
TUBES
If a rock, log or other obstacle punctures a tube, it will not fill
completely with water. If water enters a portion of the tube,
the boat will list, but it will not sink. Repairing a punctured
tube requires specialized welding skills. Contact your dealer
for tube repairs.
The tubes of your boat may be coated with a clear mate-
rial designed to lengthen the time your boat looks new. This
coating is not designed to last more than part of a season. If
you would like to clean or repair your tubes, please see your
dealer for help.
SALT WATER USE
If your boat is in contact with salt water, remove it from the