Cleaning

The gelcoat used on NAUTICATs will not fade in the sun or by age. However, to achieve maximum durability, the hull needs maintenance.

Make sure that there is no sand, or other abrasive substance on the hull, by gently brushing it off with a dry cloth. Then clean with warm water and detergent, using either a sponge or a soft brush.

WARNING: All detergents containing corrosive substances such as ammonia or chlorine are strictly prohibited on GRP surfaces. After cleaning, all the detergent must be rinsed off. All wooden parts possibly splashed on with detergents should be specially rinsed and dried.

Polishing

When cleaned, the boat should be polished with car or boat wax. Liquid polish is easy to use, but does not protect as well as solid polish. Detergent/polish combinations do not give a long lasting gloss. Polish the hull twice a season, or more often.

Mending scratches

The thickness of the gelcoat is about 6mm (0.02 in). If the hull gets scratches or stains, level them out, if coarse, with wet emery paper (first 250, then 1000), and finish them off with rubbing compound, e.g. Farecla 1 or 7. If the marks are very small there is no need for the emery paper. Rub the compound with an absolutely clean cloth. Repeat 3-4 times. The area will only look half glossy, but the marks will fade away. To get a full gloss, apply 2-3 coats of wax polish.

Scratches through the entire gelcoat must be patched with gelcoat as soon as possible. A two-pound can of gelcoat in the hull colour is delivered with each NAUTICAT. Gelcoat work takes experience, and should be done by skilled craftsmen.

The delivered gelcoat takes 2% hardener, (e.g. meck peroxide).