Exterior Care
Gelcoat Care
Your Stingray is subject to weathering processes and eventually, the outer
gelcoat will appear faded or dull. How much wear and tear from weathering
depends upon how you treat and maintain your boat. If you allow the
gelcoat to deteriorate, then you will have a higher expense of repairing
the exterior surface. It is more economical in the long run to maintain
your Stingray on a periodic basis.
Weathering occurs from direct sunlight, water, chemicals, and dust.
Some of the terms below describe the changes that can occur to the gelcoat
surface:
- Chalk is the top surface being broken down into an
extremely fine powder. When this happens, the color whitens. The
chalk that has developed is strictly on the surface.
- Fade means that the color has uniformly changed. This
happens when the actual pigments have changed color especially from
excessive chalk, or when the gelcoat has either been stained or
bleached by something.
- Gloss refers to the shine of the surface and can
change from sanding action, chalk, or residues.
PROCEDURE TO MAINTAIN GELCOAT FINISHES
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WARNING!
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To prevent personal injury, never wax non-skid deck surfaces.
Wet or dry gelcoat is very slippery and will cause unsafe
footing. |
The following are some general instructions, which will help you
maintain your Stingray's sleek appearance.
- Wash monthly or more frequently, depending on use. Wash with a
mild dish washing soap but avoid strong alkaline cleaners and
abrasives.
- Wax your boat three times a year, more if you are in an area
with above average sunshine and your boat is not protected by a cover.
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CAUTION!
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Wire brushes, scouring pads, and other abrasive type
materials/solutions should never be used on the bottom of your
boat. They create small scratch marks that will collect dirt,
silt, sand, marine growth, and other foreign materials.
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For boats that have been weathered and have chalked:
- Wash.
- Wax. If this does not work, then use a fine rubbing compound,
followed immediately with wax.
When using fine rubbing compounds, make sure you follow directions.
Some tips are listed below:
- Avoid using direct sunlight. This dries out the compound.
- Use clean pads to apply compound. Apply the rubbing compound to a
small area, remove excess, and apply pressure. If using a buffer,
use a low RPM buffer (1200 to 2000 RPM). Keep your pad wet and do
not allow it to dry out. Follow up with waxing.
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WARNING!
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If using an electric buffer, be very careful not to pause in
one area too long. This may cut into the boat's underlying surface. |
When using waxes, make sure you consult your Stingray dealer for
his recommendations. Use only waxes designed for fiberglass.
Note:
If a power buffer is used, use a low RPM buffer with light pressure.
Keep it moving at all times to prevent heat buildup.
Stains
Your Stingray boat will pick up stains from normal boating activity.
Stains are a result of dust, road tar, plant sap, and other stains from
materials which come into contact with your boat.
Surface stains may be removed by dish washing soap, mild cleansers,
or some household detergents. Chlorine and ammonia products can cause
serious damage to the color of the gelcoat. Check with your Stingray
dealer for his recommendations.
If the stain is not removed by the dish washing soap or mild cleanser,
then the next procedure is to use either denatured or rubbing alcohol.
Do not use acetone, ketone, or other solvents to remove stains. These
chemicals are flammable and may also damage the gelcoat.
Vinyl
The following information is taken from a Morbern "Care and
Cleaning" brochure. Care suggestions are those of Morbern, the makers
of the vinyl products in your Stingray boat.
Provisional Care & Cleaning of Morbern Vinyls
Morbern vinyl requires periodic cleaning to maintain its neat appearance
and to prevent the build up of dirt and contaminants that may permanently
stain and reduce the life of vinyl if they are not removed. The frequency
of cleaning depends on the amount of use and environmental conditions to
which the vinyl is subjected.
The procedures used for cleaning are dependent upon the end use
circumstances.
For Normal Cleaning
In general, most common stains can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and
clear water rinses. Moderate scrubbing with a medium bristle brush will
help to loosen soiling material from the depressions of embossed surfaces.
For stubborn stains, use the following commercially available mild
detergents in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
Note: Detergents should never be used on regular or repeated basis for
normal cleaning.
Full strength rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits may be tried cautiously
as a last resort on very stubborn stains, if the above suggestions do not
work. Indiscriminate use of any solvent or solvent containing cleaner, can
severely damage or discolor vinyls.
Certain stains may become permanently set unless they are removed
immediately. The procedure for the removal of the more severe staining
agents are outlined below.
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Ballpoint Ink, Permanent Marker |
Ink spots will stain vinyl permanently. Immediate wiping with
rubbing alcohol in a well ventilated area will remove much of the
stain. |
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Oil Base Paint |
The use of turpentine in a well ventilated area will remove any
fresh paint. Dried paint must be moistened carefully with a
semisolid gel-type stripper so that the softened paint can gently
be scraped away. Rinse with soap and water. (See cautionary note
below.) |
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Latex Paint |
Fresh paint can be wiped off with a damp cloth. Hot soapy water
will normally remove dried latex. |
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Tar, Asphalt |
Remove immediately, as prolonged contact will result in a permanent
stain. Use a cloth lightly dampened with mineral spirits and rub
the stain gently, working from the outer edge of the stain towards
the center in order to prevent spreading. Rinse with soap and
water. |
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Crayon, Mustard, Ketchup |
Sponge with mild soap and water. For stubborn stains that may have
set, use a cloth soaked in diluted mild detergent with gentle rubbing.
Any remaining stain should be washed with diluted bleach. Rinse
repeatedly with clear, cold water. |
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Chewing Gum |
Scrape off as much as possible with a dull knife. Rubbing with an
ice cube will assist and make it easier to remove when scraping. The
remaining gum should then be removed in a well ventilated area using
a cloth saturated with mineral spirits. Use light rubbing. Rinse
thoroughly with clean water. |
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Lipstick, Grease, Oil, Eye Shadow, Shoe Polish |
Apply a small quantity of mineral spirits by means of a cloth with
gentle rubbing. Take care not to spread the stain by smearing it
beyond its original source. No time should be lost in removing shoe
polish as it contains a dye which will cause permanent staining.
Rinse thoroughly with water. |
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Candy, Ice Cream, Coffee, Tea, Fruit Stains, Liquor, Wine, Suntan
Lotion, Soft Drinks |
Use clear, lukewarm water and a sponge repeatedly. Any loose material
should be gently scraped with a dull knife. Any soiled are remaining
after drying should be gently rubbed with a cloth spotted with a mild
detergent solution. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. |
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Bloods, Leaf Residue |
Rub out any spots with a clean cloth soaked in cool water. If stubborn
spots remain, use household ammonia and rinse repeatedly with a clean,
wet cloth. Do not use hot water or soapsuds, as this will set the
stain. |
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Bird Excreta & Nausea Stains |
Sponge the area with soapy water containing a diluted bleach until the
stain is removed. Rinse thoroughly with water. |
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Urine Stains |
Sponge with soapy water containing a small amount of household ammonia.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water. |
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Surface Mildew |
Wash with diluted bleach, use a soft brush for stubborn growth. Rinse
repeatedly with clear, cold water. |
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CAUTION!
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Direct contact with paint strippers will remove print pattern from
a vinyl. Paint strippers are very corrosive. Take care to avoid skin
contact by wearing protection. |
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WARNING!
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- Powdered abrasives, cleaners containing abrasives, steel wool
and industrial strength cleaners are not recommended for
Morbern vinyls.
- Any lacquer solvent will cause immediate, irreparable damage
to the vinyl.
- Wax should never be used on any vinyl upholstery, as it will
cause premature embrittlement and cracking.
- Dilute chlorine bleach before using. Never use at full strength.
- If flammable solvents such as alcohol, turpentine or varsol
are used for cleaning, then only small quantities should be
employed in a well ventilated area. Exercise proper care by
advising any personnel in the area and keep away from any
ignition source. Always wear protective gloves.
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Special Care For Boats That Are Moored
If permanently moored in saltwater or fresh water, your boat will collect
growth and grass on the hull bottom. We suggest that you prevent this by
periodically cleaning the hull, or painting the hull with a good grade
anti-fouling paint.
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CAUTION!
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Due to varying water conditions, if your boat is to be
left in the water for an extended period of time, it is recommended that you
apply a two-part epoxy barrier coat formulated to prevent water absorption
through the gelcoat which can create blisters. |
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