MasterCraft 2009 MariStar X-Series owner manual Cleaning the boat, Hull, Upholstery

cleaning the boat

Periodic cleaning is the best way to keep your boat looking like new. Regular washing and waxing keep dirt and build-up from deteriorating the finish. Keeping your boat in a showroom-new condition results in personal satisfaction and higher resale value.

The boat is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic resin material that is easy to clean and care for. Several layers of resin material are chemically bonded together to form the hull. The smooth outside surface of the hull is a layer of gel coat resin. While the gel coat is solid color, the thickness of the layer is only a few millimeters thick—like paint on a car but much tougher, and chemically bonded.

Beneath the gel coat surface is a series of layers of chemical resin, fiberglass mat and woven roving. It is these layers that give the boat its strength and maintain the hull shape. The boat bottom also uses special core-mat material for its strength-to- weight and superior marine performance.

Even though MasterCraft has carefully crafted boats from resilient materials, it is still the responsibility of the boat owner to perform regular and routine cleaning maintenance to ensure that the boat exterior, interior and components retain both ap- pearance and strength of materials.

Hull

When washing the boat, use a mild detergent, such as Dawn or Ivory dish soap, or similar commercially-produced deter- gent, and warm water solution. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, solvents, ammonia or chlorine, as these will damage the gel coat surface. Under extreme conditions, special cleaners may be used to remove marine growth from the hull. (See an authorized Mas- terCraft service department for further instructions.)

Upholstery

While the vinyl is made to withstand the elements, it is important to care for vinyl by keeping it clean at all times. Many substances may stain the vinyl if left untreated over a period of time. Remem- ber to remove any contaminant and clean vinyl immediately.

Regular washing with mild detergent (see attached information) and warm water or vinyl cleaners is sufficient to keep the cushion and vinyl coverings in good condition. Do not soak the cushion, and dry thoroughly after washing to prevent mildew accumulations when the boat is covered. Spray the cushions with a mil- dew repellent and prop them up in the boat when it is covered to take advantage of air circulation.

MasterCraft vinyl is made to withstand the effects of sun, heat, acid rain and soiling, under normal conditions, but this does not preclude the cleaning requirements. Please consult the following cleaning recommendations before cleaning your upholstery.

Certain household cleaners, powdered abrasives, steel wool, and industrial cleaners may cause damage and discoloration, and are not recommended for use. Dry cleaning fluids and lacquer solvents should not be used as they will remove the printed pattern and gloss. Waxes are not recommended, as many contain dyes and solvents that can permanently damage the vinyl’s protective coating.

In some instances, consumers have reported the appearance of a pink stain on vinyl that is resistant to various cleaning methods. Although there can be other causes for pink staining in vinyls, most pink stains are caused by dyes produced by micro-organ- isms. These dyes are metabolic products of the micro-organisms, otherwise known as a form of fungi.

It is virtually impossible for consumers to avoid these micro- organisms as they exist in the atmosphere, which are more prevalent in high-humidity areas. Rain cleanses the air, with the result being that the micro-organisms are deposited on items such as marine vinyl.

While the vinyl is treated to resist the growth of micro-organ- isms (meaning the vinyl is not a food source), the stain results from failure to properly clean and maintain the vinyl. This means that after use, the upholstery must be cleaned with a soft brush and warm soapy water, followed by a thorough rinse with clean water.

This situation is worsened if the boat is stored without proper ventilation or if the boat cover is put on while the vinyl is still wet, creating a situation in which all forms of fungi (mold and mildew) thrive.

MasterCraft 2009 Owner’s Manual - Page 13-1