Some info on Awl-Grip
 

Just wondering what you guys think about awl-grip(good or bad) iam debating whether or not to awl-grip or regel-coat
thanks

Re: Some info on Awl-Grip
 

meads910

If you haven’t already you may want to try the search function

There is a TON of info in the "repair / mods." section about this/these very questions…Awlgrip , gelcoating , different manufacturers , "Paint vs Gelcoat" ....

There are pros and cons to each method ... not to mention personal preferences ....I would look through a few of the old threads (do the search back to mid 2002 ) and post to those threads if you come up with questions or if something’s not clear.

I think we all like the durability of gelcoat .... but a fresh painted boat (a couple recent paint jobs come to mind ... Strick's and warthog's) WOW .....

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Re: Some info on Awl-Grip
 

Meads,

you ought to run out to Harkers and take a peak at Donovan Guthrie's 20' Sea Ox before making your decision. You can stop in at Harkers Island Tackle Company once on the island and ask for the exact location of the boat (in Donovan's front yard). It is a blue boat with a very attractive paint job that Donovan did himself and it looks REALLY nice...and has for years now. I don't think it was Awl-Grip, but it has help up nicely and gets a lot of compliments.

Re: Some info on Awl-Grip
 

I repainted a 68 bowrider with Awlgrip in 98 and it has held up fine, but I keep it on a trailer. I don't think it would do well if left in the water for long periods, and of course, no anti fouling. I did all of the sanding prep work myself and then had a friend spray the primer and awlgrip so it cost me about $700 I think, but it came out fine. Steve Mason, Chipley, FL

Re: Some info on Awl-Grip
 

I use AWL- GRIP products on a regular basis, I personaly prefer AWL- Grip to gel coat. Gel coat fades faster than Awl- Grip but Awl- grip may scratch easyer. Gel coat if applied with a product called Duratec will shine but will peel or scuff easily and I feel is inferier. another plus for awlgrip is 5 or 6 years after painting you simply buff the paint and it looks like the day you painted it, bad side is awl-grip cost 10 times what gelcoat cost ckeck it out ! Just 2 cent's worth from a dummby who restores boats for a living, good luck on your venture.

Re: Some info on Awl-Grip
 

well from what it sounds like I think awl-grip is the way to go.
Mark
yeah I think I will have to make a trip. Do you know how long ago he painted the boat?

Re: Some info on Awl-Grip
 

I painted a 1972 sailboat, deck & hull, 2 yrs ago with Awl-Grip & am incredibly pleased with the result. Tough to do well but if you do a good job with the prep work, it'll be worth it. I had it sprayed by a pro in the local yard but did all the prep work with my brother & I think it turned out better than most other professional jobs in the yard that summer. Total to have the painter shoot the hull & deck was around $1500. Paint & associated products are expensive but I'm glad I spent a little extra to have someone to spray it on instead of me rolling it on. Painting the hull of a SeaCraft 20 for instance would be a lot cheaper than the area I covered for hull & deck. Hull prep was much much easier than deck (especially on a sailboat with all of the hardware to remove). Not sure if you're doing the prep yourself but if you are, I'd recommend buying a great random orbital sander. I've got a Porter Cable 7336 (6" soft pad), which is awesome & was key in our job. Best deal was about $100 at Lowes. Like all painting, its all prep but Awl-Grip takes that to an extreme.

Minimum maintenance. Gave the hull a bath & painted the bottom & it looks brand new still.

Good luck.

Re: Some info on Awl-Grip
 

Donnie,
what grit sandpaper did you use? and any tips on preping?

Re: Some info on Awl-Grip
 

For DA sanding. No finer than 220gt.
Fot hand Block sanding. No finer than 320gt.
It needs some tooth to hang in there.