CLEANING
15-1
Cleaning
Periodic cleaning is the best way to keep your boat looking like new. Regular washing and waxing keep dirt
and scum from building up and deteriorating the finish. Keeping your boat in a showroom-new condition results
in personal satisfaction and higher resale value.
Your boat is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic resin material that is easy to clean and care for. Several layers
of resin material are chemically bonded together to form the hull. The smooth outside surface of the hull is a layer
of gel coat resin. While the gel coat is solid color, the thickness of the layer is only a few millimeters thick–like paint
on a car but much tougher, and chemically bonded.
Beneath the gel coat surface is a series of layers of chemical resin, fiberglass mat and woven roving. It is these
layers that give the boat its strength and keep the hull shape. The boat bottom also uses special core-mat material
for its strength-to-weight and superior marine performance.
Hull
When washing the boat, be sure to use a mild detergent and warm water solution. DO NOT use abrasive
cleaners, solvents, ammonia or chlorine as these will damage the gel coat surface. Under extreme conditions,
special cleaners may be used to remove marine growth from the hull. See your MasterCraft dealer for further
instructions.
Waxing the entire gel coat surface at least twice a season is recommended for all climates. Use of a specially
formulated marine gel coat wax, such as MasterCraft Premium Marine Wax, will reduce color fade, soil and scum
adhesion. If the gel coat has chalked or faded from lack of proper maintenance, buffing may be necessary to bring
back the shiny appearance. Hand buffing with a #7 rubbing compound or power buffing with glazing compound
#1 will quickly restore the surface.
Upholstery
Regular washing with mild detergent and warm wa-
ter or vinyl cleaners is sufficient to keep the cushion
and vinyl coverings in good condition. Keep the cush-
ions from becoming soaked, and dry thoroughly after
washing to prevent mildew accumulations after the boat
is covered. Prop up the cushions in the boat when it is
covered to take advantage of air circulation. Spray with
a mildew repellent.
While your vinyl is made to withstand the elements,
it is important to care for it by keeping it clean at all
times. Many substances
may stain your vinyl if left
untouched over a period
of time. Remember to re-
move any contaminant and
clean vinyl immediately.
Our vinyls are made to
withstand the effects of sun,
heat, acid rain and soiling, un-
der normal conditions. Please
consult the following clean-
ing recommendations before
cleaning your upholstery.
Certain household
cleaners, powdered abra-
sives, steel wool and in-
dustrial cleaners can
cause damage and discoloration. These are not rec-
ommended for use. Dry cleaning fluids and lacquer
solvents should not be used as they will remove the
printed pattern and gloss. Waxes are not recommended
because many contain dyes and solvents that can per-
manently damage the protective coating.
In some instances, consumers have reported the
appearance of a pink stain on vinyl that is resistant
to various cleaning methods. Our lab tests indicate
that the pink stain has been present in the past, but it
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