ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Your Arrowglass was designed to provide the most maintenance free boating experience possible. To keep your boat in top shape for a lifetime we recommend you follow the Maintenance Guidelines listed below. For more maintenance and service tips please call your local Arrowglass dealer.
EXTERIOR HULL & DECK
Fiberglass
When you remove your boat from the water, clean it as soon as possible. Dirt, debris, and grime will come off easier while it is still wet. Use a brush and biodegradable boat cleanser. Stubborn areas may be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner. Harsh abrasives and chemical cleaners are not recommended as they can damage the gelcoat, shorten its life, and make it more susceptible to stains. When used in saltwater, the boat should be washed after each use. NOTE** Do not use any cleaners containing ammonia or with extremely high or low PH levels as this will affect the condition of the gelcoat.
The hull of your boat should be waxed periodically, at least once a year, with a high-quality wax. This will keep it shiny looking and help prevent chalking and aging. The wax will also make it easier to keep clean by closing the pores that trap the grime.
If the boat is to be kept in freshwater or saltwater for an extended period, a proper barrier coat and bottom paint must be applied to prevent possible gelcoat blistering.
Do not wax non-skid areas. It could make them slippery and increase the possibility of injury.
Stainless Steel Hardware
The stainless-steel hardware on your boat should be cleaned and washed after each use, especially in salt or polluted water. While it is “stainless” it is not “stain-proof”. If it is not cleaned, it can develop surface rust stains. It can be protected with a high quality automotive or boat wax. It can also be protected with a commercial metal cleaner and protectant.
Anodized Aluminum
The aluminum can be maintained with regular washing with soap and water. Otherwise, it can develop surface corrosion, which can penetrate the anodizing and attack the aluminum underneath. If badly scratched, it can be repaired with aluminum or silver paint.
Chrome Hardware
Use a good metal polish and protect with wax. This should be done every couple of months or as soon as you notice any finish deterioration.
Plexiglass
Do not use products with ammonia on your Plexiglas. It can damage the surface and reduce its transparency. A mild soap and water or non-ammonia cleaner will work well. In addition to ammonia, cleaners should not be used which contain solvents, acetone, or alcohol.
Upholstery
Soap and water should be periodically used to clean the vinyl. Vinyl protector products can make the seats slippery, which may not be desirable. When cleaning the vinyl, be gentle. Do not use cleaners that contain ammonia, acetone, strong solvents, or powdered abrasive cleaners. They can damage and shorten the vinyl’s life.
Sump Area
Your boat has a bilge area in the aft part of the boat. This can be maintained well by periodically using a boat bilge cleaner. Follow the directions carefully.
Engine
If you have a new engine with a built-in flushing device, the engine may be flushed without cranking. If the engine does not have a built-in flush device, one may be purchased to fit. To flush the engine, after connecting a water hose to the proper connection, turn on the water. Put the engine control in the idle position and crank the engine. Only let it run a couple of minutes. The gear case is water-cooled and is not designed to run out of the water for extended periods. Do not crank the engine without water running. Water acts as a coolant and a lubricant for the water pump.
Do not rev the engine when flushing; idle speed is sufficient! The exterior of the engine will respond well to a good quality wax. This should be re-applied every several months as the marine environment is a very harsh one and the constant sun exposure will deteriorate your motor’s finish. Consult the engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual for specific instructions. In areas where there is a conflict between this manual and the engine manufacturer’s manual, the engine owner’s manual will take precedence.
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
Engine
- Refer to your engine manual for any specific information pertaining to your engine. For the fuel system, add a fuel stabilizer to a full fuel tank as per the stabilizer’s instructions. Run the engine for a minimum of 10 minutes to allow the fuel stabilizer to reach the engine.
- Wax the engine exterior.
- Remove the engine cowl and spray the engine’s powerhead with a non-conductive lubricant spray. Do not spray directly on joints that are lubricated with grease as some lubricant sprays may dissolve grease.
- Grease all external fittings on the engine and steering system. Use a grease that is consistent with the engine manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Change the engine lower unit lubricant. This will remove contaminants that may have built up throughout the boating season. This is also a good time to check for lower unit seal problems. If there is a leak, have it repaired by your dealer.
- Remove the propeller and grease the propeller shaft. Inspect the shaft and propeller for unusual wear or signs of deterioration.
Hull
- Wax the entire boat. The hull will maintain its factory delivered luster much longer if waxed at least once a season. The inside of the boat, which is subject to the sun’s direct rays, will also respond well to a good coat of marine wax.
- Remove the hull plug so the sump area can breathe. DO NOT wax the non-skid surfaces.
Storage
- It is best to store the boat inside, however, if inside storage is not available, use the following guidelines in order of preference.
- Under awning with no boat cover.
- Outside under a boat cover. (Boat cover should allow ample ventilation and be removed periodically to allow moisture to evaporate avoiding mildew growth and staining).
Trailer
- Check the wheel bearings for water. Clean and repack/replace as necessary.
- Check the tires for proper inflation.
- Try to store the boat and trailer with the bow slightly elevated so it will drain.
If possible, cover the boat so that the sun will not deteriorate and tree sap and other environmental hazards will not damage the deck or upholstery. If covered, make sure to let air circulate so mildew will not build up. If in a high snow or rain area, make sure to properly support the cover to sustain and shed the load.