MasterCraft 2009 MariStar X-Series Carpet, Teak Wood, Fiberglass Swim Platform, Windshield

Failure to follow these instructions in the proper care of up- holstery may cause your warranty to be voided!

The cleaning table presented in this section is offered only as a suggestion and as an aid in attempting to deal with stains. We do not guarantee that the cleaning methods will work. Stains from any external source are unlikely to be covered by warranty.

Carpet

Occasionally washing with mild detergent and warm water or household carpet cleaners will help keep the carpet clean. Thoroughly hose the detergent out of the carpet and into the bilge. (This is a good time to clean the bilge also.) Allow the boat to remain uncovered to air dry for several days to prevent any mildew or odor caused by moisture.

Teak Wood

Regular cleaning and oiling of teak wood will maintain its origi- nal appearance. Use a teak cleaner that can penetrate the pores of the wood and cleanse them of dirt and stains. Avoid caustic teak cleaners since they can damage the wood. Immediately after cleaning, an oil sealer should be applied with a soft cloth. (Fol- low the directions for application and maintenance that appear on the cleaner and sealer can or bottle.)

Fiberglass Swim Platform

The fiberglass swim platform requires the same kind of regu- lar—and gentle—cleaning that the rest of the boat needs. After cleaning off any environmental debris, wash with mild soap and warm water. Avoid the use of ArmorAll or similar types of rub- ber-shine products as these will speed the decay of the rubber rather than protecting it.

Windshield

In cleaning tempered glass windshields, the normal glass cleaners (from spray bottles or aerosol cans) work best. While the glass is very strong, it can be scratched if anything abrasive is used. Harsh chemicals or solvents should be avoided because they may affect the vinyl gaskets or powder-coated finish on the extrusions.

More care should be taken when cleaning the clear Eisenglass curtains, which are an option on some boat models. Eisenglass curtains are usually made with clear vinyl sheeting, which is much softer and more prone to scratching and hazing than the windshield glass is, only soft cloths and mild detergents should be used.

Canvas Covers

The material used in constructing Bimini tops and boat covers is made from 100 percent solution-dyed polyester fiber with a urethane coating to provide excellent water repellency and mildew resistance. This design allows the material to be easily maintained. By following a few simple care and cleaning steps, the fabric will continue to look good and maintain its fine quali- ties for seasons to come.

Important Background Information

Because the fabrics are woven, they are breathable. It’s also im- portant to know that these fabrics are treated with a fluorocar- bon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish requires

replenishment after vigorous cleaning.

Polyester fabric will not support the growth of mildew. Mold and mildew need something on which to grow and polyester fabric is not a desirable sub- stance for such growth. Dirt or dust on the fabric, however, is a perfect source for mildew growth, which makes regular cleaning of the fabric important.

There is no set time for when the fabric should be cleaned, and the local environ- ment has a great deal to do with deter- mining cleaning frequency. Cleaning is required less frequently in a dry environ- ment than in a humid one where heavy foliage exists.

The material has an applied finish

that deters mold and mildew growth, but it does not make it mold-proof. Keeping the fabric free of dirt and foreign sub- stances is important in deterring mold growth.

Cleaning

One of the best ways to keep the material looking fresh and new, and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning, is to hose off fabrics with clear water on at least a monthly basis with clean water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric, and it will eliminate the need for more frequent and more vigorous cleanings.

MasterCraft 2009 Owner’s Manual - Page 13-2