164
6.4 Measures before launching
Repair any damage to the gelcoat or have it repaired in accordance
with Section 7.
For sea conditions, fouling growth on the boat bottom must be
prevented using antifouling paint. A fouled bottom and propel-
ler increase fuel consumption considerably. However, if the boat is
moored at a river mouth or in low-salt water, or if the boat is lift-
ed out of water at least once a week, no antifouling is usually re-
quired. Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you
remove the existing paint, remember that the dust or sludge pro-
duced during the process is toxic. No antifouling is required or rec-
ommended on sweet-water inland lakes.
CAUTION! Do not paint over the zinc anodes, log sensor or the
piston rods of the trim tab hydraulic cylinders. Do not
apply paint that contains copper to aluminium parts.
Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions. Paints
containing lead and copper are corrosive to aluminium.
Carry out the required engine servicing in accordance with the
manual. Check the operation of electrical equipment and remove
oxidization from fuse connections, etc.
After launching the boat, open all the thru-hull valves and check
hoses and connectors for leaks. The location of thru-hulls is shown
in Section 5. Bring all the safety gear to the boat before setting out.
7 Repairs
In case of engine or equipment failure, contact the respective supplier.
Minor surface (gelcoat) damage on the hull and deck can be re-
paired by the owner himself. However, doing a good job requires
skill and eort:
− tape the surface around the damaged spot to protect it
− grind the perimeter of the dent to remove sharp edges and
degrease with acetone
− mix 1.5 to 2.0% of hardener in the gelcoat
− apply the gelcoat to the spot to be repaired so that it remains
slightly higher than the surrounding area
− attach a tape carefully over the repaired spot
− after the gelcoat has cured, remove the tape and sand the
repaired spot flush if necessary to make it neat
− polish the repaired spot with a polishing paste.
The colour scheme of the boat and more detailed instructions for
making repairs are available from the boatyard or your gelcoat
dealer.
When fitting new accessories, etc., to the boat, use only aluminium
or acid resistant steel rivets and screws. Isolate all equipment made
of metals other than aluminium from the hull and aluminium parts.
CAUTION! Certain retro-fittings and modifications may, if not cor-
rectly performed, damage the boat and compromise
safety. Contact the manufacturer or some other au-
thorised yard before making new grounding connec-
tions, hatches, etc., or hiring somebody else to do it.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
