Keep your Melges 15 in prime condition for years to come! We have compiled a list of best practices for boat care and maintenance to ensure you get the most out of your boat. The following guidelines are in accordance with the Melges standards and warranty. Rig Tension We recommend reducing your rig tension after sailing each day by using the rig tensioner provided with each new boat. Cleaning Your Boat To clean your Melges 15 use Dawn soap and water, use a degreasing soap to get road grim off. To clean your sea deck we recommend using Melges Boat Juice. Buy Boat Juice SeaDek Cleaner: https://shop.melges.com/product/melges-x-boat/accessories-melges-x-boat/boat-juice-interior-boat-cleaner-with-uv-protectant/ Using the Dolly Do not stand in your boat while on the dolly. When stepping the mast on a dolly, put the mast up while standing next to the boat. Lower the mast into the mast base and then hook up shrouds. When your boat is stored on the dolly, we recommend limiting the amount of weight stored in the boat. Rudder Care The central pivot bolt is critical to the correct operation of the rudder assembly, as it holds everything in the column. If this becomes loose, the blade is allowed to twist and the fitting collides with the stock causing the damage to the fitting. Make sure that your rudder bolt is tight! Post-Sailing When sailing in salt water, it is necessary to rinse off your boat, spars, foils, and all fittings with fresh water once you’re back onshore. This will help prevent corrosion and rust. We recommend cleaning your boat with soap and water after salt water regattas. Drying Out Your Boat After sailing, remove all portholes and drain plugs, it is important to drain your boat using the aft drain plug. To drain, open the aft drain plug and tip the boat up from the bow to allow water to flow out. Sail Storage Pull your spinnaker completely out of its bag to dry out after each sail. Keep your sails in a cool dry spot if possible. We recommend having a practice and race set of sails to maximize performance. Buy Melges 15 Sails: https://shop.melges.com/product-category/melges-15/melges-15-sails/ Trailering When trailering your boat be sure the Melges 15 Trailer Bunks to ensure the boat's weight is properly distributed. The Melges 15 Trailer bunks are molded to perfectly fit the hull of your Melges 15. Designed to be set 81″ inches apart these bunks can be easily adapted to a trailer or boat lift. Melges highly recommends using these bunks in any scenario where the boat will be stored or transported with the hull down. Protecting the bottom of your boat will ensure longevity and peak performance. Bunks are sold in sets of two with a forward and aft bunk. Please note a custom-quote will be needed to ship these bunks. To prevent road grim and to protect the bottom of your Melges 15 we recommend trailering with a Travel Cover. Buy Travel Cover: https://shop.melges.com/product/melges-15/melges-15-covers-bags/melges-15-travel-cover/ Buy Trailer Bunks: https://shop.melges.com/product/melges-15/melges-15-trailer/melges-15-trailer-bunks/ If you have questions about proper maintenance and upkeep, email sales@melges.com. If your boat needs service or repairs, contact the Melges Team in Zenda, WI by calling 262-275-1110.
