FAQ’S
Your questions answered
We’ve put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information about Stessl Boats. If you have any questions that you can't find the answer to, please contact your closest dealership.
General Questions
WHERE IS THE STESSL HIN COMPLIANCE FOUND ?
The Australian Builders plate is attached to boat near the drivers position. The Hull number and model number is stamped into the keel at the bow.
WHAT IS THE PAINT CODE USED ON MY STESSL?
Too many to list them all – Australian Standard colours - Please contact your dealer and provide them with then hull number of your vessel.
All Stessl Boats are painted with Wattyl Industrial Standard High Opacity White as standard.
WHAT SHOULD I USE TO CLEAN MY BOAT WITH?
We highly recommend using a product like De-Saltinator Boat Wash. Unlike other detergents, De-Saltinator is a hydrophobic solution formulated and manufactured in Australia by an Australian chemist to suit the harsh Australian elements.
De-Saltinator can be purchased at shop.stessl.com.au along with foam cannon to get the best results.
HOW DO I PURCHASE ADDITIONAL FACTORY PARTS?
Genuine Stessl Parts can be purchased on our online Store - shop.stessl.com.au or through our nation wide dealership network.
DO ALL STESSL BOATS HAVE THE TE TRAC FOR RAILBLAZA PRODUCTS?
All Stessl boats with side decks are fitted with the TE Trac as standard.
DOES STESSL SELL BOATS INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes, Stessl boats are sold in Tahiti, Malaysia and New Caledonia.
HOW DO I ORDER MY BOAT?
We have a dealership network set up in every state that will help you with your order
WHERE CAN I FIND A STESSL DEALER?
Click the “DEALERSHIPS” button at the top of this page or use the link below.
CAN I CUSTOMISE MY BOAT?
We offer a range of factory options to customise your boat. Please discuss this with this the dealership when you place your order. Our website lists the more popular options available on each model.
CAN I CHOOSE THE STRIPES COLOURS/TYPE FOR MY BOAT?
You can design your own Stessl boat using the 'Design Your Boat' page on the our website.
CAN I HAVE A WRAP INSTEAD OF THE STRIPES FOR MY BOAT?
Yes, Use the 'Design Your Boat' page on our website to select the design that you prefer.
DOES THE WARRANTY COVER BOAT AND TRAILER?
Our Stessl Boat Warranty covers the hull. Dunbier Trailers warrant the Stessl trailers, all other factory fitted or factory supplied equipment is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that applies to that product.
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR ANY WARRANTY WORK FOR MY BOAT?
Please contact the Stessl Dealership where you purchased the boat from , they will be able to assist you.
What should I do if my boat's HIN is missing?
If your HIN is missing or illegible, you should contact the manufacturer or local boating authority for guidance.
Can I change my boat's HIN?
No, the HIN is a legal identifier and cannot be altered.
Understanding Your Boat’s HIN
Breaking Down the HIN: A Detailed Guide
- Country Code: The first two characters represent the Country Code, which identifies the country of manufacturing. For example, "AU" might stand for a specific country.
- Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC): The first three characters represent the Manufacturer Identification Code, which identifies the boat's manufacturer. For example, "ABC" might stand for a specific boat manufacturer.
- Serial Number: The next five characters are the serial number, which is unique to each boat produced by the manufacturer.
- Date of Manufacture: The ninth character indicates the month of manufacture, and the tenth character represents the year of manufacture.
- Model Year: The last two characters represent the model year of the boat, which may differ from the year of manufacture.
What is a Hull Identification Number (HIN)?
- A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12-character code assigned to every boat at the time of manufacture. Think of it as your boat’s fingerprint—no two are the same.
- The HIN helps identify the manufacturer, the serial number, and the model year of the boat.
Why the HIN Matters
- Registration: The HIN is required for registering your boat and is often used in title documentation.
- Insurance: Insurance companies use the HIN to identify your boat, assess its value, and verify claims.
- Theft Recovery: Law enforcement uses the HIN to track and recover stolen boats.
- Recall Information: Manufacturers issue recalls based on HINs, so knowing yours can help you stay informed about potential safety issues.
Maintenance
How to maintain marine paint?
- If using water from the dock make sure it goes through a proper wet spot water filter to remove hard minerals.
- Using onboard water is optimal as it usually goes through a few staging filters to provide the softest cleanest water.
- For the 1st couple of weeks your initial rinse before wash will remove 80% of salt and dirt.
- Remember you can never give a boat enough water so soak really good before applying soap and mitt to clean your boat.
- We recommend DE-SALTINATOR BOAT WASH as an ideal wash down soap after waxing your boat because of it’s near neutral PH.
- Make sure to use proper concentrate to water ratio.
How to maintain your outboard motor?
Caring for a painted aluminum boat requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best and to protect it from the elements. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Rinse after each use: After each outing, rinse your boat with fresh water to remove any saltwater or debris that could potentially damage the paint.
- Clean regularly: Use a mild detergent or boat soap and a soft sponge or brush to clean the painted surfaces. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes that could scratch the paint. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
- Wax the boat: Apply a high-quality boat wax to protect the paint and provide a barrier against UV rays, oxidation, and water damage. Follow the instructions on the wax product for best results.
- Touch up any scratches: If you notice any scratches or chips in the paint, touch them up promptly to prevent further damage. Use a marine-grade touch-up paint that matches the color of your boat.
- Avoid abrasive materials: When cleaning or maintaining the boat, avoid using abrasive materials such as steel wool or rough scrub brushes, as they can scratch the paint. Stick to soft cloths, sponges, or brushes specifically designed for boat cleaning.
- Protect from the sun: Whenever possible, store your boat in a shaded area or use a boat cover to protect it from prolonged exposure to the sun. UV rays can fade and damage the paint over time.
- Inspect and repair: Regularly inspect your boat for any signs of damage, such as peeling or chipping paint. If you notice any issues, promptly address them by repairing or repainting the affected areas to prevent further damage.
- Follow manufacturer's recommendations: Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for care and maintenance specific to your boat and its paint type. They may provide additional recommendations or specific products suitable for your boat's finish.
By following these steps, you can help preserve the appearance and longevity of your painted aluminum boat. Regular cleaning, waxing, and addressing any issues promptly will go a long way in maintaining its beauty and protecting it from the elements.
Caring for an unpainted aluminum boat involves a few key steps to protect the metal and maintain its appearance. Here are some best practices:
- Regular cleaning: Rinse the boat with fresh water after each use to remove saltwater, dirt, and debris. Use a soft sponge or cloth and a mild detergent to clean the boat's surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleaners or tools that can scratch the aluminum.
- Remove oxidation: Over time, aluminum boats can develop oxidation, which appears as a dull, chalky layer on the surface. To remove oxidation, use a specialized aluminum cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions and scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water afterward.
- Apply a protective coating: Applying a protective coating can help preserve the shine of the aluminum and provide a barrier against corrosion. Look for marine-grade aluminum polishes or waxes specifically designed for bare aluminum boats. Follow the product instructions for application and reapplication intervals.
- Inspect for damage: Regularly inspect the boat for any signs of damage, such as dents, scratches, or loose rivets. Repair any issues promptly to prevent further damage and maintain the integrity of the boat.
- Store properly: When not in use, store your aluminum boat in a dry location, preferably covered, to protect it from prolonged exposure to the elements. If you keep it in the water, consider using anti-fouling paint on the hull to inhibit marine growth.
- Prevent galvanic corrosion: If you have other metal components on your boat, such as stainless steel fittings or hardware, ensure there is no direct contact between them and the aluminum. Galvanic corrosion can occur when dissimilar metals come into contact in the presence of an electrolyte (like saltwater). Use insulating materials, such as gaskets or non-conductive coatings, to separate the metals.
Remember to consult the manufacturer's guidelines or seek advice from boat experts for any specific care recommendations for your particular aluminum boat model.
FIND YOUR CLOSEST DEALERSHIP
For prices, build times and questions about the Stessl Boats range please contact your closest dealership
