Owner`s manual

2870 OFFSHORE
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 bottom 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 PRE-
PARING THE HULL FOR BOTTOM PAINT. SANDING OR SANDBLASTING AND THE USE
OF A COATING OTHER THAN STANDARD ANTIFOULING PAINT OR EPOXY BARRIER
COATINGS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED AND WILL VOID THE FIVE YEAR HULL BLISTER
WARRANTY.
Do not allow the hull antifouling paint to contact the outboard motor. Most antifouling paints designed
for hull bottoms contain copper and can cause severe galvanic damage to the motor. Always leave a
1/2" barrier between the hull bottom paint and outboard motor.
Most bottom paints require some maintenance. Proper maintenance 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 anodes are installed on the outboard engines 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 and aluminum
and will deteriorate first, protecting the more noble underwater hardware against galvanic
corrosion. Anodes should be checked monthly and changed when they are 75% of their original
size. Always use the type and grade of anode recommended by the engine manufacturer of
outboard and stern drive boats. When replacing the anodes, make sure the contact surfaces are
clean, shiny metal and free of paint and corrosion. Never paint over the anode.
13-1