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Windshields and Clear Plastics
Plastic windows and windshields should be flushed with clear water; after
abrasive dirt is removed, use a plastic window liquid cleaner. Do not use
window cleaner such as Windex. NOTE: Do not wipe dirt from a dry plastic
windshield, and do not use an abrasive cleaner, because the plastic can
become permanently scratched or dulled.
Vibration may loosen your windshield; to prevent breakage, check the
mounting bolts periodically for a tight fit. If leaks occur, identify the leak
area, dry it thoroughly and coat the area with a live rubber sealant. After
the sealant dries, check the area by sprinkling with a hose. Repeat the
process until the leak is eliminated.
Hardware and Fittings
Deck hardware, such as cleats, chocks, rails, stanchions, etc., should be
cleaned periodically with a good chrome cleaner and polished with paste
wax to preserve luster and prevent corrosion. In salt water areas, flush
hardware with fresh water and spray hardware, at least monthly, with a
marine corrosion inhibitor, available from your dealer.
Broken or damaged hardware should be replaced by bolting through deck or
gunwale with a reinforcing block beneath.
Deck hardware should be used only for its intended purpose. Stanchions, for
example, are intended only to support railings and should not be used for
tying off fenders, mooring lines or water ski tow ropes. Do not use a moor-
ing cleat for a water ski rope if obstructions prevent the rope from swinging
in a proper arc. Failure to use bow chocks for an anchor line could damage
other hardware or the superstructure in the event of a sudden surge.
Ozone and sunlight eventually cause hardening and loss of elasticity in the
rubber components aboard your boat -grommets, fuel hoses, stern drive
boot, etc. Inspect these components frequently and replace if you detect
signs of hardening or surface cracking. Leakage, particularly in the stern
drive area, could cause below-deck flooding.
Fire Protection
Charcoal grills can be dangerous aboard a boat. They can tip over and spill
hot coals or flaming starter fluid if the boat is hit by a sudden wave. On
inboard and stern drive boats, a charcoal grill placed aft, near fuel tank
vents could cause a vapor explosion.
Never use gasoline-type camp stoves aboard a boat. Any gasoline spills could
drain unnoticed into the bilges and create a danger of vapor explosion.
