Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the easiest and most cost effective way to keep all aspects of your boat looking pristine, and to promote longevity in all the external surfaces. This maintenance section has been put together to help you keep your Buccaneer looking beautiful and performing beautifully year after year. And remember, if you have questions, ask your local Buccaneer dealer.

Your new boat is manufactured using quality materials and components. With proper care and maintenance, your boat should provide you with many years of enjoyment. We suggest the following procedures for maintaining your boat.

Periodic Checks and Services

SYSTEM/ COMPONENT	SERVICE REQUIRED
	EACH USE
Hull	Wash after each use
Bilge Pumps	Check for debris
Electrical Connections	Clean battery terminals Check loose connections
Safety Stop Switch	Start engine & pull lanyard Engine must stop
Surge Brake Fluid	Check brake fluid level
Trailer Tyres	Check air pressure and lug torque
	PERIODICALLY
Fuel Hose Connections	Check for leaks
Battery	Check electrolyte level
Wiring	Check for proper support
Hydraulic Steering	Check/fill fluid
Trailer Bearings	Check/grease Repack two times per year
Trailer pivot points, winch, hinge bolt and coupler	Check/grease
Web strap and shackle
Convertible Top	Inspect for wear
Trailer wiring system	Clean
Trailer brakes	Inspect for damage
Lights	Check brake pad and drum wear Check operation of navigation, courtesy and instrument lighting.
	WHEN REQUIRED
Battery	Recharge
Hull	Clean/wax/repair
Bilge	Clean accumulated dirt with soapy fresh water
Carpet	Clean when soiled
Vinyl Upholstery	Clean and dry
Trailer	Inspect for rust, nicks or chips
Windshield	Remove dirt and water deposits
Livewell	Clean

GEL COAT

The exterior surface of your boat has a Gelcoat finish which offers a hard, smooth and durable surface.

However, exposure to sunlight, water, dust and chemicals can cause chalking, discolouration, yellowing or loss of gloss.

Regularly and after every use of your boat, wash it down with a mild detergent and water. See your dealer for a detergent that is recommended for fibreglass boats.

DO NOT use harsh detergents, bleaches, acids, ammonia or coarse abrasives.

After cleaning and drying, wax your boat with a recommended protective wax for fibreglass. This should be done regularly and NOT in direct sunlight. See your dealer for correct wax.

When not using your boat, keep it out of the sun or have a full breathable cover. DO NOT use a nonporous material for the cover that will trap moisture between the cover and the Gelcoat surface.

CHALKING

A fine rubbing compound will remove chalking on the Gelcoat surface, carefully follow the directions for use. Protective wax the Gelcoat surface after applying the rubbing compound. DO NOT do this in direct sunlight.

SCRATCHES, NICKS AND STAINS

Fine scratches and some stains can be removed using a fine rubbing compound. See your dealer for recommended type and carefully follow the directions for use. After you have used a fine compound, protective wax the Gelcoat surface. DO NOT do this in direct sunlight.

Deep scratches and nicks should be repaired by a professional, if in doubt contact your dealer or the manufacturer before you start.

While washing your boat, check the Gelcoat surface for scratches that may happen during normal use. Following the recommendations will help maintain the showroom finish of your boat with regular maintenance and due care.

CARPET AND VINYL UPHOLSTERY

The carpet should be vacuumed to keep it looking its finest. Wash the carpet regularly with a mild soap and water solution. Apply the cleaning solution with a scrubbing brush, then rinse the carpet thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry.

CAUTION

Some popular fish scents that are sprayed on lures contain chemicals that may cause deterioration of the carpet and upholstery. Spray these formulas away from the boat.

On vinyl upholstery use a vinyl preservative wax to keep it clean and soft. Harsh detergents such as bleach and solvents can cause permanent damage. Consider using a mooring cover to protect the interior of the boat from the effects of sun and weather, and to keep debris out.

If the carpet or upholstery should be damaged by mildew, special cleaners are available that may help. Be sure to test the cleaner in a hidden area first.

WINDSHIELD

The windshield is made of tough acrylic plastic or toughened glass. Even though it is made to withstand minor impact, it is susceptible to scratches. Never clean it with a dry towel; or use strong cleaners or abrasives. Use only a mild soap and water solution with damp towels.

TEAK

Caring for your teak – Teak [Tectona] is an exotic tropical hardwood found as a native throughout South and Southeast Asia; it belongs to the family of Lamiaceae growing as high as 40 metres.

For centuries it has been harvested by the marine industries for its straight grain, ease of working and its high oil content which gives it great resistance to rot and termite etc.

This oil content is what gives teak its amazing properties as a decking material, but with modern cleaning materials and normal use these oils are slowly removed from the timber.

Care should be taken to not only replace these oils but also not to scrub the teak excessively, as scrubbing removes the soft pith between the woody solid annual rings – this results in your deck becoming rough in texture, only occasionally scrub with a soft brush across the grain.

It is recommended that teak specific oil be used as these help prevent blackening of your teak and your local chandlery has these on the shelf. If these products are used every couple of months the teak will remain a rich colour, if not applied it will turn grey and possibly after a period of time crack along the grain.

The exposure to sunlight that fades the timber grey can be resolved with a light chemical washing process of a product suited to use with the teak – many brands are available, please follow the instructions carefully.

Interior teak requires only a light oil and should not ever need aggressive scrubbing.

Light oil spills, peanut staining, etc can be removed with the use of aerosol products such as K2r (this is a powder stain remover spray). Clean up any excess oil with an absorbent pad then spray the affected area once it has sat for a while – simply hose away and repeat until stain is removed.

With minimal time and materials your teak will remain in good condition. The investment in these products is worthwhile as teak is a slow growing exotic tree that is expensive to replace.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF STAINLESS STEEL

Buccaneer Boats for handrails, deck fittings and fastenings purchase only high quality stainless steel products for durability. No steel is truly “stainless”. It is actually “corrosion resisting steel”, and corrosion can occur if not properly maintained.

For handrails and deck fittings to remain in pristine condition they should be cleaned with soapy water after each use. Also they should be periodically polished using a good quality metal polish and then wiped over with an oil rag (Marine CRC type product).

TRAILER CARE

To ensure that your trailer gives you dependable, worry-free service, it must be properly maintained on a periodic basis. Follow these guidelines to care for your trailer:

Rinse the trailer with freshwater several times a year. If you boat in saltwater, rinse the trailer after every trip. Wash at least once a year with a mild detergent and wax with an auto wax to keep the trailer in top condition.

CAUTION

Do not fill E-Z lube bearings with a power grease gun. The inner seals will be damaged. Fill only with a hand gun.