8.6.1 General maintenance - Hull and Furniture

Component	Maintenance	Notes and precautions
Gel-coat CAUTION The alteration of colour and brightness in correspondence of areas which are highly exposed is considered as normal. The necessary polishing has to be considered as normal maintenance. MAINTENANCE At least once a month perform an accurate cleaning of all fibreglass parts. At least once every six months check the status of the fibreglass. When necessary, but at least once every two years, polish all fibreglass parts.	Formation of bubbles Regular cleaning (as required)	In some areas of the yacht, bubbles may generate on the gel-coat; these bubbles can break over time, thus exposing the fibreglass underneath. The drawback occurs generally in vicinity sharp angles, and depends on air bubbles that, during fabrication, remain entrapped between fibreglass and gel-coat, although quality checks are carried out by specialised personnel. Broken gel-coat bubbles are easy to repair by filling the voids and touching up with gel-coat that can be requested to the Service Department of the Shipyard. CAUTION Always wash using neutral products. In case of particularly persistent dirt, do not use products containing ammonia which can turn the surface yellowish.
	Formation of cracks Regular cleaning (as required)	When underway, some structural parts of the yacht are subject to bending, and create tension or compression stresses in fibreglass and on gel-coat, the different elasticity of gel-coat and fibreglass, can cause small cracks on the gel-coat surface, in particular in the more stressed areas, e.g. near cleats, stanchions, etc.. Such drawback, however, does not compromise fibreglass mechanical and structural characteristics. CAUTION To remove possible gel-coat, do not use sandblasting methods that may damage the surface of the anti-osmosis resin applied and could expose fibres. As suggested by gel-coat Manufacturers, use suitable products or, as an alternative, wet sand.
Wood and upholstery	Regular cleaning (as required)	Light and moisture are the worst enemies of these materials; do not expose them to direct light as often as possible, and ventilate the indoor spaces whenever allowed by the weather. It is extremely important the use of windows covers: any kind of wood, both natural and coated, will experience discolouring when exposed to sunlight. The types of wood used for equipment and facilities of the yacht are exclusively natural-based materials that are carefully selected and the painting cycles with which they are treated are compliant with environmental standards. Owing to the natural origin both of the materials and the treatments, the wooden furniture not suitably treated and maintained could be subject to: Variations in colour shade due to a direct, continuous exposure to light. It is advisable to shade the highly exposed parts with the inner curtains supplied with the yacht. Dirt retention if not immediately cleaned, owing to the characteristic absorbency of the wood fibres. It is advisable to use non-aggressive products. Scratches and markings if in contact with sharp or metallic objects due to the inevitable “softness” of wood. Although the manufacturing processes had been deeply studied and tested, the furniture, equipment, and facilities made of natural wood can be subject to variations in colour shade over time as a consequence of the “natural” maturation due to ageing. In spite of the painting cycles developed after so many years of experience, wood remains a “living” material and is therefore subject to movement and settlement. Scratches causes by bumps must be repaired immediately, to avoid the blackening of the wood below. The technical staff of the CUSTOM LINE After Sales & Service Department will advise you about the maintenance level you have to apply at the end of each season’s use. Correct maintenance will allow you to avoid deterioration, which is expensive to repair. AFTER-SALES SERVICES BROCHURE CAUTION The extremely precious finishes of the polish-varnished woods used for bathroom floors and cockpit tables is the result of careful work: they are water resistant but at the same time delicate and need careful maintenance. Such surfaces must therefore be dried after use or after rain and must be washed and maintained regularly. CAUTION Upholstery and wooden parts: the leather and wooden parts have to be treated as natural products, subject to colour alteration, particularly if the necessary precautions for good maintenance are not taken. CUSTOM LINE reserves the right to evaluate any problems and its own responsibility according to case. MAINTENANCE At least once a week carefully wash and clean all teak outside parts, and at least once a year perform a protective treatment with suitable products. CAUTION Current use: Do not walk or jump on the cushions; Prevent the cushions from turning yellow due to direct exposure to sunlight; Prevent the absorption of water or moisture by not leaving the upholstery exposed to bad weather, particularly during periods of inactivity. Cleaning: Remove ordinary dirt with a warm water solution and neutral soap: do not use detergents or solvents; Dry with a soft rag, not leaving any residues. Preservation: Store tapestries clean and dry into a fresh and ventilated room without moisture; Do not place heavy objects on the tapestries when stored.
Ceilings Panels	Regularly check the flatness of the panels and / or any discontinuities or steps between the ceilings panels.	Whenever the ceilings are disassembled, it is compulsory to check the status of the Fit Lock or/and 3M Dual Lock fastening systems breakage of the teeth and/ or the entire system. WARNING Do not install Fit Lock or 3M Dual Lock ceiling panels with damaged fastening systems , due to a possible reduction of their retention power. Damaged parts must absolutely be replaced with new ones. In order to be sure that the ceilings have been reassembled correctly, check flatness with the other ceiling panels and the absence of discontinuities and steps between one ceiling panel and the others.
Light alloys and stainless steel	Regular cleaning (as required)	It is a good rule to accurately wash the entire yacht after each navigation, in particular all metal parts that may be damaged by saline humidity. Spray plenty of fresh water on handrails, windows, skylights, rub rail, anchors, cleats and ladder. Regularly protect all metal parts with Vaseline oil. CAUTION The main deck and panoramic deck windows are not watertight; therefore, do not direct the water jet towards them when washing. MAINTENANCE At least once a year check the fastening of all metallic parts of the yacht. CAUTION Never use brushes or abrasive cloths on metal fittings, not even on rusty spots, scratches on the surface, as this will cause a less shiny appearance and diminish the mechanical features.
Sun-deck cushions	Regular cleaning (as required)	Remove the cushions from the seats at regular intervals and let their under side and the seat surface dry. When washing or when it is raining, remove the cushions and stow them in a covered place; however, when cushions are wet, remove them from their seats, to prevent water or moisture from remaining trapped between cushions and underneath surfaces. This could affect the gel-coat and also create osmosis bubbles and deteriorate the cushion cover. The cushions must be washed with running water; do not use jet-cleaners, brushes or abrasive sponges. CAUTION Current use: Do not walk, nor jump on the cushions; Prevent the cushions from becoming yellowish due to direct exposure to sun rays; Prevent the absorption of water or of moisture by leaving the tapestry exposed to bed weather, particularly during periods of inactivity. Cleaning: Remove ordinary dirt with a warm water solution and neutral soap: do not use detergents or solvents; Dry with a soft rag, not leaving any residues. Preservation: Store tapestries clean and dry into a fresh and ventilated room without moisture; Do not place heavy objects on the tapestries when stored. MAINTENANCE At least every 6 months check seams and fasteners. At least every month carry out the washing of the cushions.
Sun-deck cushions	General Care and Cleaning Guide	For light soiling, a solution of 10% PH neutral soap in warm water, applied with a soft damp cloth. Rinse with clean water and dry. For heavy soiling, dampen a soft white cloth with a one to one (1:1) solution of an all-purpose and dye-free household cleaner and water. Rub gently and rinse with a damp cloth. CAUTION Do not use with alcohol-based cleaning agents! CAUTION Do not use aggressive detergents and/or solvents, which will cause immediate damage and contribute to the deterioration of the material.
Metallic parts and connectors	Periodical cleaning (as required)	Grease connectors and metal parts of the devices installed and exposed to moist and salty environment to prevent oxidation; pay particular care and attention to the above-mentioned components of the steering system, gangway, hatches and control units, etc.
Windscreen/windows	Regular cleaning	CAUTION Rags and chamois leathers used for cleaning glass must be replaced at least every 3 months. The inner side of windows and windscreen can be cleaned with non-aggressive and non-acid detergents for glass and a soft or paper cloth. CAUTION If after normal cleaning some traces of dirt or light scratches remain, do not try and remove them with mechanical means or using aggressive detergents, solvents or abrasive products. Contact the Service Department. CAUTION For cleaning the outer side of coloured or mirrored (pyrolytic) windows and windscreen: Evenly wet the whole surface of the glass with plenty of fresh water. Use a neutral detergent or a delicate commercial product (not alkaline) diluted in fresh water. Spread the solution with a soft and clean cloth. Frequently rinse the cloth in order to prevent deposits of dust or dirt particles which could scratch the glass or its glazed coating. Rinse the soapy surface with plenty of fresh (or distilled) water. We recommend drying the glass with chamois leather only. For cleaning the tinted windows and windscreen it is possible to use the same type of detergent used for internal cleaning (non-aggressive and non-acid).
Windscreen and deckhouse glass	Inspection of seals	CAUTION At least once every 6 months check the condition of the glass seals. If you feel that the seals have deteriorated due to wear, please contact the Service Department.
Mirrored glass walls	Regular cleaning	CAUTION For cleaning mirrored glass walls only use water and neutral soap. Different products could damage the surface coating.
Windscreen wiper and washer	Regular cleaning (as required)	Wash them carefully with fresh water and coat with Vaseline oil; grease the spring with silicone grease. Check the rubber blades conditions regularly, and replace the blades if worn; this prevents bad visibility problems.
Plexiglass	Regular cleaning (as required)	It is very important, especially after a wave sailing, the plexiglass to be washed very well. You still have to pay close attention to well remove the salt formations exclusively with a fresh water jet, because any rubbing of salt crystals scratched inevitably the plexiglass surface. The intermittent treatment with polish or wax will make the plexiglass as “brilliant” and protect them better against the elements.
Instrumentation and navigation lights	Regular cleaning (as required)	Use clean wet rags for cleaning. MAINTENANCE At least once a week check the operation of the navigation lights. At least once a week carry out accurate cleaning of glasses and headlights. At least once every six months check the presence of corrosion in the connections of the navigation light cables. At least once every six months, tighten the cable connections of the navigation lights. MAINTENANCE At least once a week check the operation of the navigation lights. At least once a week carry out careful cleaning of glasses and headlights. At least once every six months check the presence of corrosion in the connections of the navigation light cables. At least once every six months, tighten the cable connections of the navigation lights. CAUTION Do not use chemical or abrasive products. After navigation, it is advisable to cover the instruments and equipment.
Light fittings	Regular cleaning (as required)	DO NOT use alcohol-based products to clean the light bodies.
Teak	Periodical cleaning (as required)	The teak characteristic is to be very resistant to weathering and therefore does not require maintenance. The teak wood over time tends to assume a particular silver colour that might not like; in this case, wanting to restore the colour that teak does when the yacht delivery, you need to paint it periodically with specific products (eg teak wonder). If the wood has smears that is not able to remove with normal washing, it is necessary to sand the wood to remove stains, and then repainted with wonder teak. CAUTION Do not clean the teak with stiff brushes, as exercising the longitudinal rubbing the vein, it removes the softer grain of the wood. Non-black caulking could have not the same behaviour compared with the black one. Any aesthetic issues like mildew on the surface, colour variation, dirt in the caulking have not be addressed as defects and could be prevented with a regular maintenance and service of the teak surface and caulking.
Shower	Checking and replacing gaskets	CAUTION Carry out regular maintenance and/or replacement of the shower box seals, in order to prevent water leakage. CAUTION The shower enclosures are made in such a way as to avoid water leaks outside the enclosure, under normal conditions of shower use. However, they do not have a watertight seal. The functionality of the shower cubicles is subject to the use for which it was designed; the water tightness is therefore conditioned by the correct use.
Bottom hull	Periodical cleaning and check of antifouling treatment (as required according to stationary area, but at least every three months) Check/restoration Preparation of the surface of an already treated yacht	The length of the antifouling effects depends mainly on the conditions of the waters where the yacht is stationary. CAUTION To remove the old antifouling, do not use sandblasting methods, as this may damage the gel-coat surface and the anti-osmosis resin applied by the Manufacturer. As suggested by the antifouling manufacturers, use paint removers or, as an alternative, wet sanding. The Shipyard uses high-quality ant-fouling paint and applies two layers. CAUTION Bad maintenance condition (barnacles, etc.) may cause cavitation and damage shaft, rudders, propellers, etc. CAUTION Small areas of paint may peel off from the propellers even after a short period of operation.