Painting the boat
 

Ok, so my SeaCraft is 14 yrs old and looks great- I know 14 compared to many boats on this site is considered an infant but after years of wet sanding the color (fighting lady yellow) is almost gone in some places. Within a year or two I'm considering having the boat painted- would keep the same color. So I know absolutely nothing about what I should be asking or be aware of about having my boat professionally painted- so educate me please! Thanks

Before spending big bucks for a paint job, I'd suggest you check out Poly-Glo! Beats the hell out of wet sanding/compounding/waxing that only lasts 3-6 months! It was tested by PowerBoat Reports several years ago and found to be better than any wax or similar coating. I've used it for several years and been very pleased with it. It'll last a year in the high UV environment of S. Fl., so should last even longer up north.

I never waxed the cabin top on my Seafari (entire boat is all original gel coat except for the Signature Finish paint I put on the bottom) from when I got it in 1975 because I didn't want a slick surface up there with kids on the front deck. It was looking pretty bad after 30+ years, and I haven't had kids on it for some time, so decided to try the Poly-Glo and I was amazed. It's obviously not as good as new paint, but from 10' away, it looks pretty good and is much easier to apply than wax! Other members on CSC have also tried it and been pretty well satisfied.

X2 it's good stuff!

So long as there is no fairing/repair work to do, it should not be too expensive. It is possible to paint right over the gelcoat, but it will look nicer if they prime it first. Ask for a repairable 2-part topcoat.

BTW, this is something you can do yourself if you a little handy.