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How should fiberglass patrol boats be maintained?


  How should fiberglass patrol boats be maintained?

  The fiberglass patrol boat is a composite material made by using synthetic resin as the matrix and glass fibers as the reinforcing material. It boasts strength comparable to that of steel, excellent water resistance and corrosion resistance, a mirror-like smooth surface, and the ability to be molded in one piece. Compared with steel or wooden boats, fiberglass boats require less maintenance—a characteristic that stems from the superior properties of fiberglass itself. However, like all materials, fiberglass is subject to aging; though the aging process is relatively slow, fiberglass patrol boats still require regular maintenance.

  The key maintenance points for fiberglass patrol boats are as follows:

  1. Avoid contact with sharp and hard objects. When the fiberglass hull collides with rocks, concrete structures, and metal components along the shore, scratches and other damage may occur. Protective measures should be taken, such as installing impact-resistant and abrasion-proof metal or rubber fenders at the bow, docks, and sides of the vessel. Additionally, regularly apply wear-resistant rubber and plastic soft materials on the deck.

  2. Repair any damage promptly. Regularly inspect the hull for issues such as resin flaking, deep scratches, and exposed fibers. These must be repaired in a timely manner; otherwise, water infiltration could accelerate the extent of the damage.

  3. When not in use—especially during the cold winter—your vessel should be kept ashore. Since fiberglass patrol boats made of glass-reinforced plastic have a certain degree of water absorption, water can gradually seep into the interior through tiny channels along the interface between the fiberglass and the resin, gradually reducing the material’s strength. Particularly in winter, as the infiltrated water freezes upon encountering cold temperatures, these channels expand further, causing even greater damage. Therefore, every winter, when the boat is not in use, it should be removed from the water and placed ashore to allow any infiltrated water to evaporate and the material’s strength to gradually recover. This practice can significantly extend the boat’s service life. After bringing the boat ashore, first clean it thoroughly, set it aside, and use padding to keep it properly aligned.

  4. Do not allow water to accumulate on the boat for extended periods. If water gets onto the fiberglass patrol boat, it should be removed promptly. When acidic or alkaline substances such as battery electrolyte spill into the boat, they must be cleaned up immediately and then thoroughly dried.

  5. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. A shade structure should be provided at the mooring location for fiberglass patrol boats. Prolonged exposure to the sun is harmful to FRP and can also affect the color of the gel coat.

  6. Clean regularly. The surface of the fiberglass patrol boat should be kept clean at all times, and the deck should be scrubbed frequently. Surfaces contaminated by oil stains or other substances can be cleaned with common household detergents; avoid using highly corrosive solvents, cleaning powders, or metal brushes, as these could leave scratches that detract from the boat’s appearance. If stains are particularly stubborn, you may use gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, toluene, xylene, styrene, or similar solvents for cleaning. However, be sure to rinse immediately with clean water afterward to prevent these substances from penetrating the boat’s structure. When cleaning, you may also use tools such as scrapers, but only those made of bamboo or plastic—materials softer than fiberglass—to avoid scratching the surface. For scrubbing, use soft materials such as cotton cloth, gauze, soft towels, or soft foam plastics.

7. Promptly remove salt frost. Vessels navigating in this sea area should promptly remove salt crystals (salt frost) adhering to the hull surface. Since salt crystals act like convex lenses under sunlight, the surface fiberglass will accelerate aging when exposed to high temperatures.

  8. Regular waxing and polishing: To keep the hull surface shiny and protect the gel coat, the hull should be waxed regularly. The wax can be automotive wax or a specialized gel-coat polish for fiberglass. Apply it 2-3 times at intervals of 2 hours to form a durable wax film on the fiberglass patrol boat’s surface. Then, use a portable polisher to buff the surface, restoring its shine to like-new condition.