Paint Vs Gel-Coat
 

I have a 22 foot Scarab that I want add some flash this year ...the gel coat is ok but could be better and has some small cracks in the gel on the deck . I want to redo the boat and fix her up . I want a poker run boat appearance but in a smaller version .

When I admire all these poker run boats are they all gel coated or painted .

What is better ...can anybody give me some suggestions ??

Thanks in advance !!!
Mopwr

Most of them are painted. Gel is tougher but fades quickly, paint doesn't fade as quickly, but does scratch much easier. Gel's harder to touch up than paint as well.

Thanks Mastercraft .....Great Video ....Boats looks sharp !!!

If you're going to re-do your Scarab, I think you'll find paint is really the way to go. On an existing boat (out of the mold), it's just a much easier proposition with lots more flexibility in what you can do.

As for advantages and disadvantages, here's my opinions. Gel is much thicker than paint and thus can be rubbed, wet sanded and polished many times before you run out of material to play with. And for solid colors, it's actually easier to repair. As for flexibility, you actually have quite a bit. Just look at some of the west coast manufacturers and what they do with graphics in the gel. Some of it is mind boggling.

Paint (as I stated earlier) generally gives you more flexibility, but it's much thinner and thus a scratch that you might have been able to sand and rub out in gel ends up needing a re-paint. Virtually all of the really wild graphics (like AOD) you see on boats are done in paint. So, to each his own!

Vinyl wrap it and then you can change it 2 years from now with a lot less costs.

will paint hold up if left in water for a couple months

Not below the water line. It will start to blister after about a week.

Even gel coat can start to blister if left in the water for an extended period of time without bottom paint .

This.

I have a buddy that does this and it is amazing what comes out of his shop. Has made me even think about when i pick up a boat.

How much for a vinyl wrap?

I would have to ask.

If i do mine it's material and beers on me as he is a childhood friend but if i am not mistaken without calling him it'ts about $1k for a mide size 20' or so.

My Donzi had awlgrip below on the white bottom and Imron clearcoat over the graphics and top deck. Held up very well.

http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...10_2449751.jpg
http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...134_303662.jpg
http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...33_7615443.jpg

My sign shop out here in CT charges $12.50 per square foot installed regardless of color or graphics.

CT: On that Donzi, was that vinyl wrap under the Imron clearcoat?

How long did it hold up well?

Using Vinyl For Accents
 

You can change the total appearance of your boat quickly by just adding accents.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...7/P1020058.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...7/P1020057.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...7/P1020056.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...7/P1020055.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...7/P1020054.jpg

Catastrophe
 

Looks Sharpe !!!!

No, it's all house of kolors over black base. No vinyl wrap

Catastrophe, your swim platform is bada$$. Not sure why I like it but I do! Kinda like a strippers shoes!

I believe Imron is rated to go below the waterline. That would be my choice for paint as that **** is HARD and SHINEY. Gel would cost you a lot more. A wrap is a good option but I would compare it to the price of paint and make a decision.

Its not designed for below the water line, but it is about as good as you can get.