Owner`s manual

(b) Use masking tape to tape around the area to be patched so gelcoat will contact only the

area to be repaired.

active oxidizing agent. This material can be obtained from most marine hardware stores.

Caution should be exercised with the material as it is highly toxic and flammable.

(d) On a piece of cardboard or arborite, add an appropriate amount of gelcoat. This should

be catalyzed at the rate of about 5 drops of catalyst to one tablespoon of gelcoat. It will then

have a gel time of about 1/2 hour at room temperature. Do not over catalyze as it could

discolour the gelcoat. In cooler weather one or two drops more will maintain the same gel time.

Mix catalyst and gelcoat thoroughly. Patching should not be carried out below 45

(e) Apply the gelcoat to the damaged area with a flexible spatula or putty knife and work

well into the area. Leave the gelcoat patch slightly higher than the finished surface as the

material shrinks somewhat as it cures and also will leave enough material to sand.

(f) Allow the patch to cure about 2 to 4 hours depending on the ambient temperature, and

then remove the tape around the patch and any excess gelcoat. Watersand the patch using a

styrofoam block and water sandpaper stores. The area should be sanded first with about a 240

grit paper until smooth with the existing surface then it should he resanded with 400 grit and 600

sandpaper. If any flaws still exist, repatch them at this point.

(g) Once sanding is complete, polish the area with a rubbing compound such as M.G.M. #1

until the scratches are buffed out and the shine is restored. Rubbing compound is also

available at most hardware stores.

(h) To protect the newly-repaired area, a coat of wax should be applied and polished.

(i) For major repair work such as damage which penetrates into the glass layers, a

competent marine yard or factory should be contacted.

13.3 Care of Hatches and Ports

All hatches and ports on CS boats are glazed with smoked plexiglass of 1/2" thickness which

are impact-resistant and very durable. On certain yachts the optional non-opening Gebo

Holland ports are made of tempered glass and are more scratch resistant.

All hatch frames are cast aluminum with an epoxy coat or anodized finish.

To clean the acrylic glass, use a mild, non-abrasive soap and a soft cloth. Rinse with clear

water. Do not use gritty cleansing agents.

Do not dry-wipe dirt as is may scratch the surface. Small scratches may be removed by using

progressively finer rubbing compound or an acrylic polish available at marine stores. Tooth

paste may be used as a substitute but should be rinsed with a mild detergent and clean water.

In salt water conditions, hatch windows should be washed often, inside and out, with fresh

water.