Gel-coat
CAUTIONThe alteration of colour and brightness in areas which are highly exposed is considered normal. The necessary polishing has to be considered as normal maintenance.
At least once a month carefully clean 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 form 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 from the Service Department.
CAUTIONAlways wash using neutral products. In case of particularly persistent dirt, do not use products containing ammonia which can turn the surface yellowish.
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 the gel-coat; the different elasticity of gel-coat and fibreglass can cause small cracks on the gel-coat surface, in particular in the most stressed areas, e.g., near cleats, stanchions, etc. This problem, however, does not jeopardize the mechanical and structural characteristics of fibreglass.
CAUTIONTo remove possible gelcoat, 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.
The woods used for the yacht’s fittings are exclusively natural-based materials carefully selected and the painting cycles with which they are treated comply with environmental regulations. Furniture made of wood, precisely because of the natural origin of both the material and the treatments, may be subject, if not properly treated and maintained, to:
- Colour variations due to exposure to direct and continuous light. It is advisable to shade the heavily exposed parts with the internal curtains supplied with the yacht;
Retention of dirt if not cleaned promptly, given the characteristic absorbency of wood fibres. It is recommended to use non-aggressive products;
Scratches and marks if in contact with sharp or metallic objects, due to the inevitable relative “softness” of the wood.
Even if the production processes have been carefully studied and tested, the furnishings and fittings made of natural wood may undergo variations in colour over time due to the “natural” maturation of the material due to ageing.
Despite the painting cycles developed after many years of experience, wood remains a “living” material, and 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 RIVA 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.
CAUTIONThe 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.
CAUTIONUpholstery 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. RIVA therefore reserves the right to evaluate any problems and its own responsibility according to case.
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.
CAUTIONCurrent 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 deter- gents or solvents;
- Dry with a soft rag, not leaving any residues.
Preservation:
- Store clean and dry upholstery in a cool, ventilated room with no moisture;
- Do not place heavy objects on upholstery when stored.
The characteristic of teak is its resistance to weathering and therefore, it does not require maintenance. Over time, teak tends to assume a particular silver colour that may not appeal; in this case, to maintain the original colour of the teak, it needs to be treated regularly with specific products (e.g. teak wonder).
If the wood has smears that cannot be removed with normal washing, it is necessary to sand the wood to remove stains, and then repaint with wonder teak.
You must use fresh water and manual brush (no hard bristles) at least once a day. This will remove any machinery, common dirt from feet and shoes, and normal environmental salt. This process, if carried out regularly, allows constant maintenance of your teak and caulking. In this case only time and wear will naturally deteriorate this product.
CAUTIONDo not clean the teak with stiff brushes, as even rubbing the grain lengthways can damage the softer grain of the wood.
Any aesthetic issues, such as surface mildew, colour variations, dirt in the caulking are not defects and may be prevented with regular maintenance and service on the teak surface and caulking.
CAUTIONWashing the deck with mechanical equipment or with a jet of pressurised water (hydro-cleaners, for example) IS STRONGLY ADVISED AGAINST since this force alters the wood and the caulking sealants (detaches the micro-particles), even causing serious damage in some cases.
Washing the deck with alkaline or acid-based detergents, or however with aggressive agents (soda, solvents, ammonia, etc..) IS STRONGLY ADVISED AGAINST. Their aggressive degreasing action corrodes the wood (eliminates its natural water-repellent properties and bleaches its natural colour), while the physical-chemical properties of the caulking sealant are altered, with its surface portion becoming softened and the impermeability, sealing and anchorage of the deck becoming damaged.
CAUTIONBe careful when cleaning the exterior painted parts. The use of alkaline or acid-based soaps or detergents, which are usually used to remove dirt or salt, can settle on the deck and irreparably damage the teak and caulking sealant.
Therefore, teak and caulking sealant must be insulated when these washes are carried out. Therefore, when these washes are carried out, it is necessary to isolate the teak and caulking sealant from any deposits, even temporary, of soaps and/or detergents. If it is not possible to cover the deck when cleaning the fibreglass, we recommend wetting the deck surface with plenty of fresh water.
We recommend the same procedure when refuelling.
If fuel seeps into the wood or caulking sealant, the deck will be irreparably damaged there. Use a neutral detergent to clean the teak.
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.
WARNINGDo 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.
It is a good rule to accurately wash the entire yacht after each navigation, in particular all metal parts that may be damaged by sea water. Have plenty of fresh water sprayed on handrail, windows, skylights, rub rail, anchors, cleats and ladder.
Protect all metal parts with Vaseline oil periodically.
At least once a year check the fastening of all metallic parts of the yacht.
CAUTIONThe stern glass door is not watertight, so do not point the bolt of water towards the window, when washing.
CAUTIONNever use brushes or abrasive rags on metallic fittings, not even on rusty spots, scratches on the surface result in a less shiny appearance and diminish the mechanical features.
Remove the cushions from the seats at regular intervals and let their underside 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.
At least every 6 months, check seams and fasteners.
At least every month carry out the washing of the cushions.
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.
CAUTIONDo not use alcohol-based cleaning agents!
CAUTIONDo not use aggressive detergents and/or solvents, which will cause immediate damage and contribute to the deterioration of the material.
CAUTIONRags 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.
CAUTIONIf, 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.
CAUTIONFor 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 pre- vent 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).
CAUTIONFor cleaning mirrored glass walls only use water and neutral soap. Different products could damage the surface coating.
(as required)
Check the rubber blade conditions regularly, and replace the blades if worn; this prevents bad visibility problems.
CAUTIONAt least once every 6 months check the condition of the glass seals.
If you feel that the seals have deteriorated due to a wear, please contact our Service Department.
(as required)
Use clean wet rags for cleaning.
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.
CAUTIONDo not use chemical or abrasive products.
(as required)
(as required)
Preference for antistatic liquid detergent.
CAUTIONNever use alcohol or acetone to clean Plexiglas parts; they could crack inside.
To clean, degrease and polish the Plexiglas, spray a small amount of antistatic liquid detergent on the cloth and wipe the surface.
The antistatic effect of the cleaner is very useful to prevent dust from being attracted by static electricity generated during rubbing and that makes it very difficult to clean the entire surface smoothly.
If the cause of opacity is dirt, simply use an anti-static cleaning fluid and a soft cloth to remove smears: the Plexiglas will clean and bright.
If opacity is due to the contact with aggressive substances, it means that the surface has been compromised in the structure and the Plexiglas will not return as before.
If the marks are light and have been caused by wear and not from chemicals, anti-scratch paste can solve the problem.
Even for light scratches anti-scratch paste is suitable.
CAUTIONCarry out regular maintenance and/or replacement of the shower box seals, in order to prevent water leakage.
CAUTIONThe shower enclosures are made in such a way as to avoid water leaks outside the enclo- sure, 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.
(as required)
The stern glass wall has many functional and aesthetic advantages.
The salon door, that completely overlaps the fixed part starboard makes it possible to convert the salon and the cockpit into a single, large room.
Of course, this glass wall needs particular care during washing, because a lack of care may allow water to penetrate.
To avoid this problem, we advise taking great care to the direction of the water jet for rinsing: it should not be directed frontally and with pressure, but the water should be let flow down from above.
At least once a week, clean thoroughly.
At least once a month, check the operation.
At least once every six months, check the locking with open door.
When necessary have them adjusted.