news · Apr 1, 2022

Materials and external cleaning.

Maintenance programme for the correct care of the exterior materials of your Menorquín.

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In this Newsletter we propose some basic concepts of cleaning and care that every shipowner should know for the correct maintenance of his Menorquín.

Did you know that regular cleaning of your boat and the correct use of specific cleaning products is essential to extend the life of your boat?

 

Metal cleaning:

 

Before using an aggressive product, the deck should be thoroughly wetted to avoid damaging the teak floor.

Once the teak has been protected, it is advisable to use a metal-specific cleaner in the correct proportions, using a soft cloth, e.g. stainless steel to be cleaned or polished.

After application and rinsing, we recommend that the boat is generously washed down to avoid any residue of aggressive products that could attack the more delicate materials.

 

Cleaning the exterior upholstery:

 

It is very important to rinse the upholstery when the boat is washed, and then ensure that it dries properly, both on the exposed side and on the base, so that the fabrics do not become damp and fungus can proliferate.

A more thorough cleaning can be done with neutral soap (always making sure that the teak floor is covered with water) or, in the case of a more persistent stain, with a specific soap for this purpose.

 

 Window and rubber seals cleaning:

 

It is very important to use non-aggressive products on the windows of the boat, as damage to the rubber seals could cause water to enter the interior.

We also remind you that you should use rags or cloths that do not scratch glass or methacrylate. Under no circumstances should scouring pads be used for this purpose.

 

 Exterior wood cleaning

 

In this case, the teak on the deck floor and fly brigde deserves special care.

Teak caulking is extremely sensitive to chemicals (products such as non-neutral soaps, bleaches, stainless steel cleaners, etc.).

The cleaning procedure is as follows: wet the deck, apply the diluted products in the proportion specified on the package, and then generously wash the entire surface immediately afterwards.

We recommend that you do not use too hard a brush for cleaning, as this could scratch and damage the caulking.

It should also be noted that all cleaning agents should be applied in small areas, as the water should not be allowed to evaporate and should be rinsed off thoroughly after use, as this may cause staining or damage to the polyurethane beads.

 

For natural teak railings, doors and top cap there are various products on the market for colour maintenance and protection. However, a fine sanding should be carried out at least once a year.

The varnished exterior woodwork installed on boats needs continuous maintenance and, if not done properly, can contribute to the deterioration of the protective film and, in turn, of the wood.

It is very important not to damage varnished wood with corrosive or abrasive products. The best way to maintain the wood is to rinse it with fresh water, dry it with a cloth and if possible protect it from the sun and salt water.

The wood should be kept as clean and dry as possible and, on the other hand, protected from sudden changes in temperature. The latter will delay the deterioration of your boat's wood.

 

Finally, the repainting time will vary according to the conditions in which the wood of your Menorquin has been exposed. It is a question of observing the condition of the wood and not allowing the varnish to deteriorate. If the varnish loses its shine, it is an indication that it needs to be sanded and varnished.

 

Other

 

In this last section, but not least, you will find a small list of elements and areas of the boat to be maintained with an adequate level of cleanliness:

 

- Drains

- Scuppers

- Channels engine room covers

- Engine room

- Bilges

 

Of course, we cannot finish this newsletter without commenting on the interior cleaning of the boat, always, of course, using non-aggressive products and making sure that all surfaces are dry and the cabins are ventilated.