Care of Your Vessel

• Wipe all surfaces of the boat with water and use a chamois or soft cloth
• Vacuum the carpet to remove any dust, dirt, sand and food stuff
• Remove any greasy marks with a mild detergent
• Read the instructions on the cleaning label
• Periodically remove the floor and clean out the hull of any dirt or contamination’s with fresh water.
• We would recommend the boats fuel system be inspected and the fuel pick up and breather hoses be replaced after 5 years.
• The Vessels bilge area must be thoroughly flushed with fresh water after every use, this should be done with the boat in a horizontal position on flat even ground with the bungs in, and leave for 5 mins. After this the jockey wheel should be wound up to the just below the maximum position to allow complete drainage with the bungs out.

To keep your vessels paint in perfect condition a regular maintenance program must be adhered to, you must reseal all paint penetrations. Please see your local TABS Dealer for your service options, failure to reseal these paint penetrations may cause corrosion and blistering in these areas.

Aluminium reacts naturally with the environment and produces a protective coating called oxide. This process is called oxidation. Salt and moisture are very common causes of oxidation in boats and it is a normal reaction.

In a painted boat, this reaction can cause the paint to bubble and flake off in areas throughout the boat where the paint seal has been broken and allowed moisture to enter.

This is only a cosmetic reaction and will not affect the boat structurally. Should oxidation affect the paint work some maintenance will need to be carried out to retain the appearance of your vessel:

• Sand the affected area removing the bubbled paint and any signs of oxidation. Feather in the edges of the remaining paint work.
• Clean the area of all contamination using a preparation solvent.
• Mask off the areas not being repaired.
• Apply a suitable etch primer to the sanded area and allow to dry.
• Apply the top coat to the area to be repaired and allow to dry.
• After allowing the paint to dry’ buff the area to blend in the repair.
• Advice and materials for this type of maintenance can be obtained from your local dealer.

In unpainted boats most customers do not realize this reaction is occurring because there is no paint to bubble and flake. The reaction is shown by the normal dull appearance unpainted boats develop.

• Vacuum the upholstery.
• Gently wipe over with a damp cloth.
• Remove greasy stains simply by using a mild detergent. Read the instructions on the label.

Dirt dust and salt water picked up from the road or waterways can damage the paint and body of your boat if left over a period of time. Frequently washing is the best way to protect your boat.

• Wash off outside of the boat with water.
• Use a chamois or sponge wash the boat from top to bottom, using a mild detergent making sure the detergent is compatible for your painted or unpainted boat.
• Rinse off with water.
• Remove the bungs.
• Hose out the bilge with fresh water to remove all accumulated dirt and sand.
• Store the vessel in a garage or carport to protect it from the elements. The vessel must be kept dry and out of the sun when not in use.

**Make sure that the boat is stored with the bow higher than the stern to allow water to drain from the hull**

Your windscreen is manufactured with UV stable cast acrylic and marine grade aluminium chromate treated and powder coated. To prolong your windscreens life:

• Wash with fresh water only and avoid using detergent and chemicals.
• Keep the screen protected from the sun whenever possible when not in use.
• Cover with a soft cloth/sheet before covering with a tarpaulin to prevent scratching.

After your vessel has done 20 hours all nuts, all screws, nuts and bolts need to be checked and tightened where necessary, as an example but not limited to all seating bolts.

• Check the operation of your entire electrical system to make sure it is functioning as normal. This includes but not limited to all navigation lighting and the bilge pump.
• Check bungs are sealing and functioning correctly.
• Check hull integrity every 100 hours or once a year whatever comes first.
• After your vessel has done 100 hours all nuts, pop rivets, screws, need to be checked and tightened or replaced where necessary.
• Check the operation of your entire electrical system to make sure it is functioning as normal. This includes but not limited to all navigation lighting and the bilge pump.
• Check bungs are sealing and functioning correctly.
• Check steering system thoroughly.
• Check entire fuel system thoroughly.
• Remove floor and check for flotation of deterioration, check all fittings that they are secured correctly, check condition of all hoses and fuel lines.
• With the floor up remove all foam and inspect the hull, flush the inside of the vessel thoroughly with fresh water to remove any and all contaminates.