Owner`s manual

13. MAINTENANCE

Yachts in good and safe condition need frequent maintenance on a regular basis. Such

frequency depends on type and condition of use.

The running and standing rigging, engine, winches, lights, head, bilge and surface finishes

should be checked on a regular basis.

When sailing in salt water all deck hardware should be washed down with fresh water after each

sail and the yacht should be hosed down at least once a week in salt-water locations.

13.1 Gelcoat Surfaces

All gelcoat surfaces of the deck and hull should be washed down with fresh water and a non-

abrasive detergent on a regular basis.

On smooth surfaces a sponge or soft brush should be used. A stiffer brush can be used on the

non-skid working surfaces, followed by rinsing with fresh water.

At least once every season the topsides of the hull should be waxed and polished with a good

boat wax. This will retain the gel coat's colour and appearance. Non-skid surfaces of the deck

should not be waxed. Dark hull colours need more frequent waxing to prevent oxidation.

Gel coat surfaces below deck need only cleaning with mild detergent and water and rinsed

down with fresh water. These surfaces can also be waxed.

In mooring locations with trees in the vicinity, the leaves will stain gelcoat surfaces. More

frequent scrubbing down of such surfaces is necessary.

Minor scratches on the gelcoat surfaces can be removed by means of buffing with a light

abrasive cleaner or fine rubbing compound followed by waxing and polishing.

Scrapes or damage that have broken through the gel coat surface can be repaired with the

gelcoat repair kit available from your CS dealer.

For any major damage, where a large area of gelcoat has been removed or the damage

extends into the glass lamination below the gelcoat, your CS dealer should be consulted and a

qualified marine yard should do the repair.

13.2 Gelcoat Repairs

Gelcoat should be stored in a cool place about 40

F, such as in a refrigerator, to prolong its

useful shelf life. Do not expose gelcoat to freezing temperatures. Useful shelf life is 6 months

to 1 year.

Application

(a) Sand around the edges of the damaged area with #80 grit sandpaper to key the surface

for a proper gelcoat bond. After sanding, clean off the area with acetone so no dirt or loose

chips remain.