products such as Ivory or Dawn hand dishwashing
liquid can be safely used. Always read the label
before using any product.
A darkening or discoloration of the nonskid surfac-
es can sometimes occur as a result of wax buildup.
Exposure to the sun and elements can turn the wax
darker, or occasionally can cause it to become ﬂaky
or powdery. To remove, use ﬁne rubbing compound
and a low RPM buffer (1200 to 2000 RPM). Apply
light pressure and keep the buffer moving at all times
to prevent heat build up. Read the directions before
using any equipment.
DO NOT use acetone, paint thinner, solvents,
or strong alkaline based detergents, nor
cleaners with a “gritty” and abrasive texture.
Avoid products which contain sodium phos-
phate. Common examples of these types
B. Weathering Effects on Gel Coat
of household cleaning agents are: Tide
, Janitor-in-a-Drum , Formula 409 ,
, etc. Always read the label before
using an agent.
Weathering occurs from direct sunlight, water, chemi-
cals, and dust. Some of the terms below describe the
changes that can occur to the gel coat surface.
There are several products available which are spe-
ciﬁcally designed to clean ﬁberglass exterior ﬁnishes.
Many companies like Johnson & Johnson , Turtle
Wax , etc. manufacture cleaning ﬂuids mild enough
Chalking is a result of the gel coat’s top surface being
bro ken down into an extremely ﬁne pow der. When this
happens, the color whitens. The chalk is present on
the surface only.
to clean without stripping the wax.
Fading is the uniform change in color. This happens
when the actual pigments have changed color, espe-
cially from excessive chalking, or when the gel coat
has either been stained or bleached by something.
Treading on a soiled ﬁberglass surface can
severely scratch and mar the ﬁnish. Keep the
ﬁberglass as clean as possible.
Yellowing is gel coat which has a yellow cast and
streaking usually deals with a stain or contact with
When cleaning nonskid areas, DO NOT attempt to
use a wire brush or sandpaper because this will
remove the nonskid gel.
Gloss refers to the shine of the surface. This can
change from sanding action, chalk, residues, or expo-
Apply wax once or twice a year to maintain gel coat
lustre. Read the label before using any product. Make
sure product is formulated for gel coat surfaces.
Also, consult a Four Winns dealer for their recom-
Blistering refers to a condition in which the unpro-
tected gel coat surface below the waterline has
absorbed water and formed bubbles. See Section P-5
for additional information.
Do not use carnuba-based waxes. This type
of wax yellows over time and makes the
ﬁberglass appear yellow.
Follow the instructions below for boats that have
weathered and chalked.
Wax. If this does not work, then use a ﬁne rubbing
compound. If this does not work use 400 or 600
wet or dry sandpaper, followed by ﬁne rubbing
compound and wax.
Waxing decks, cockpit ﬂoors or other areas
on which one walks is not recommended.
Waxing will produce a very slippery surface,
especially when wet. Wax may also buildup in
the nonskid surfaces. Be sure all persons wear
deck shoes while aboard the boat. Footing will
be improved and feet will be protected from
accidental cuts and bruises.
When using wax or ﬁne rubbing compounds, make
sure to read the label and follow the directions. Some
helpful tips are listed as follows:
Fiberglass and Hull - Section P
Owner’s Manual Page 106
|Categories||Four Winns F-Series Manuals, Four Winns Manuals|
|Tags||Four Winns F|
|Document Type||Owner's Manual|
|Product Brand||Boats and Cruisers, Four Winns. For support contact your dealer at http://www.fourwinns.com/locate-dealer.aspx|
|Document File Type|
|Wikipedia's Page||Outboard Marine Corporation|
(0 votes, average: 0 out of 5)