I have an older boat (86 formula 242ls) and like all older boats she is starting to look her age so I was looking into maybe painting it but I cant justify spending that kind of money on a boat that isn't worth that much. so after doing some looking around online I found a few options, one is to have it wrapped which isn't to cost effective either and the other is doing it my self with the roll and tip interlux paint. just wondering if anyone has done this and if its worth it? I am by no need a body man but it seems as simple as painting a wall in a house. I know I will spend 80% of my time prepping the boat and only about 20% actually painting haha but if it comes out as good as they claim itll totally be worth my time to have my boat looking good again! so any input on this would be great! thank you

I rolled and tipped my old stripes and its quite easy. As long as you buy the proper paint, it likes to naturally dry smooth, the tipping part just helps ensure that it does.

how does it hold up? fade quickly?

It depends on the quality of the paint. Interlux is good paint and I don't think it will fade. A paint expert may chime in, but remember this isn't a brand new 51' Outerlimits. The key is to get it thinned the correct amount, almost like water.

I just did it a few weeks ago, but its very durable paint. Heres some before and current shots.







The teal center line for the bow is painted over with white, so it has the same shine as the OEM look

look great!! now that paint wouldn't be good for under the water line correct? my boat is fresh water so I don't want to paint the bottom with bottom paint but I would love to paint it so that its all the same color

Anything above the hull is considered top side paint I believe. They make different paint for below the waterline. My side stripes sit in water when the boat is idle, and all is good.

My 1989 Mainship was roll and tipped by a non-professional. It turned out very good. Sure, there were some issues if you really looked but I owned it 8 years and I was the only one that noticed. It was awlgrip though.

sounds like you guys are talking me into a winter project lol joe did it keep a nice shine? did you buff it out every year?

Linear urethanes such as Interlux Perfection Plus are excellent paints. Roll with a foam roller and immediately tip with a top quality badger hair brush. Thin coats are necessary, and three to four should be adequate. Wet sand with 320 or 400 between coats. These paints do not buff out like automotive paints. They have a "clear top surface" after they cure or so it seems. I have done four boats with Interlux, and they are still in excellent condition after 30 years with inside storage under cover. My last was my 28' Cigarette center console, thread under 35' to 28' conversion in the Cig forum. I did the sides in navy blue, and it looks like it was sprayed and compounded. Dark colors will show every defect so prep is 95%! Also winter is not the best time to do this unless you have a consistent 70+ degree work space 24 hours a day. These are top side paints but are fine for a trailered hull. Let me know if I can help further and best of luck. Bob N.