Nautique 230 - Manual (Page 213)

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Care and Maintenance
Gelcoat Maintenance
Your Skipper’s Kit included samples of quality boat care products
recommended by Nautique. Nautique is proud of its heritage and
wants you to feel this pride every time you use your boat.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your hull and deck
surfaces in good condition. Sun exposure, residue from trees and
minerals in the water affect your boat’s finish.
To help maintain the shine of your boat, wash the hull with a mild
bio-degradable detergent after each use. This will help to remove
any debris and waterborne materials that are on the hull. Use a soft
sponge or towel and dry with a chamois cloth to prevent water
spots.
Wax the hull sides and deck regularly with a high quality wax.
Waxes and polishes are available at your Nautique dealer and
marine supply stores. Always follow the directions on these
products carefully before you use them.
The hull bottom is an especially important area to keep clean since
any buildup of water scum and algae will create drag and reduce
the boat’s efficiency. If you must leave your boat in the water, there
are compounds to remove algae buildup on your hull. Some of
these can be caustic. Pay special attention to the cautions on the
label of these coatings. Ask your Nautique dealer for advice on
which work best in your area.
If your boat’s gelcoat develops a chalky look over a period of time
due to exposure to sun, there are gelcoat buffing and polishing
compounds available at your Nautique dealer and marine supply
stores. DO NOT use common household scouring pads or
powders.
If you will be keeping your boat in the water for ANY period of time,
we suggest that the wetted surface of the hull be painted with an
epoxy paint formulated for blister protection.
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