Specifications

8-27
HULL AND DECK x
8
HULL
DECK
HULL CONSTRUCTION
AND CARE
The SRT1100 hull is built of a material called
FRP. This is then finished with a very hard
product called gelcoat to protect the fiberglass
and provide a durable finish.
WHAT IS FRP?
FRP stands for Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic .
It is a composite material in which a fiberglass
reinforcement material such as chopped strand
mat (mat) and/or a woven fabric (cloth) is
impregnated with a catalyzed polyester resin
and allowed to cure into a rigid state. Also,
included in this definition are fabrics impregnat-
ed with epoxy resins and hardeners.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FRP
FRP has the following characteristics:
1. High strength yet light-weight
2. Excellent malleability
3. Corrosion free
4. Easy to care for and easy to repair. On the
other hand, it is liable to get scratched and
is vulnerable to shocks and, therefore, must
be handled with care.
NOTE: Should any of the FRP or Gelcoat
require repair, refer to the
Basic Hull Repair
Video and Workbook
(VID-10660-00-43).
MAINTENANCE OF FRP
Routine care is important for FRP as it helps in
maintaining the high luster. During mainte-
nance, any damage to the FRP can be detect-
ed early so repairs can be easily accomplished
ensuring long service life.
After use, wash down the hull with fresh water.
Wax the hull with a non-abrasive wax such as
Yamaha Ultra-gloss Cleaner Wax or other wax
designed for marine gelcoat.
Take the following additional steps when nec-
essary:
1. Maintenance of luster
The gelcoat layer is 0.3 to 0.5mm (0.12 to
0.20 in) thick. When it has faded or has lost
its luster, the original luster can be restored
by polishing to remove the oxidized layer.
Polishing procedures:
a. Clean the gelcoat surface with water
and neutral detergent.
b. Polish with a fine rubbing compound. If
no polisher is available, polish with a
rag and compound.
c. After polishing, apply several coats of a
good marine wax, allowing each coat to
dry prior to buffing and applying the
next coat.
2. Fading and discoloration
How to clean:
a. Fading may require the use of a heavy
duty rubbing compound and subse-
quent polishing to restore the original
gelcoat luster. If this does not work, see
item “d” below.
b. Discoloration due to oil stains, fuel
stains, or environmental factors may be
removed with detergents or industrial
solvents if needed. A rag or sponge
moistened with acetone may also help.
However, avoid excessive exposure of
gelcoat to acetone as the surface may
become permanently damaged.
c. Marine growth can be scraped off using
sharpened wooden sticks. Avoid metal
putty knives, etc. as they will tend to
scratch the gelcoat.
d. If all else fails, use a wet/dry sandpaper
to color sand the gelcoat down to
consistent color. Use extreme care as
too much sanding will remove all the
gelcoat and new gelcoat will have to be
applied. Start with #600 grit and end
with #1200 to #1500 grit with lots of
water. For best results, final sanding
should always be in the same direc-
tions (e.g., back and forth). Follow with
polishing procedures given above.
e. If none of the above helps, it is time to
re-gelcoat.