I'm actually surprised by all of this. The vote is definitely off from the messages, but I'm really tilting towards paint.

I have a gelcoated boat now, no fade (that I notice) and scratches that everyone says will be hard to fix/match. I always said my next boat would be white with stickers or paint. Boy am I leaning that way.

Paint without a doubt. More flexibility in terms of graphic design, and you can always change it. And for those oops that come up every now & then, its easier to cure a case of dock rash.

i have used ppg deltron on my boats and they stay in water all season and the paint look great after 10 years

Re: Paint or Gelcoat?
 

Paint it, but keep the graphics above the water line. My graphics are painted. I have one spot that is below the water line in them and that spot is rough and feels like 600 grit sandpaper.

Re: Paint or Gelcoat?
 

Yes it can........It does require years of experience though....but it can be done.

Re: Paint or Gelcoat?
 

I know this post is way old but since it's back to the top I will reply anyway.

Yes that can be done in Gelcoat but there are only a few builders with guys talented enough to do it. One of them is Lavey Craft. Eliminator can also do some way detailed work with Gel and Cole Custom Boats was also top notch until Jim closed the doors.