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 ??

I really enjoy the boat would like to fix her up !!

Thanks in advance !!!
Mopwr

Or you could always do a vinyl wrap?

I am looking for the same for my 22 scarab I just purchased a couple of months ago. The previous owner removed all the decals which left some fading in spots plus a few areas of good dock rash. I buffed out most of the decal shadowing, fixed the dock rash and now have a totally white boat.

I have been looking at the wraps because I know a guy, but they arent shiny (which I love a mirror finish and dont mind the work to get it) and feedback on the forums seems to be the scar easy.

I read a lot about paint but get confused on what can be used or not, above the water line or below??????

I have some small hair like cracks on my deck, nothing major but a few that when fixed I am sure will stick out so I have to put something over it.

Ya I am like you . I have been told if I cover the cracks they will show through the decal in time . I have some friends with the big poker run boats and going to look at one tonight that had some vinyl wrap . I have found that they are paint with clear coat in most cases . Might be going that route . Not to many get re-gelcoated . Will let you know my findings .

John

Paint if you are redoing.

So I assume there is actuall marine paint? I guess I assume from reading on here that regular auto paing can not be used below the water line.

ya there is a special marine paint !!

I painted my boat with DuPont Chroma One single stage. Glassdave has recommend using PPG Concept single stage line for 1 color paint jobs. A lot of boats are painted in Awlgrip and Imron and then cleared over. (these are automotive finishes) Remember the recommendations of using a paint is that they are not left in the water. The boats are trailered and pulled out within 3-5 days at the most.

there are no paints of any real high performance quality that are suitable for below waterline. Awlgrip is about as good as you can get but i dont believe it can be left under water for extended periods. I use PPG's single stage Concept for solid color resprays and try to save the gelcoat below the hardchine at all cost. If you are not planing an overall color change preserve the gel on the running surface even if it means living with a few off color repairs. Trust me a painted running surface only looks good for a short time if you plan on using the boat. Custom paint wise you are good with any of the higher end automotive lines. PPG's DBC series with DCU-2021 clear or Duponts Chroma line to name a few. House of color is ok but i think its over marketed for what it is.

This is exactly what I did. I have gel on the bottom and paint on the top.

generally this is what i try to talk my customers into, even if the bottom of the boat is off white or needs some spot repairs. At the very most i might just blend back off the nose but i really hate to see paint of any kind on the running surface. Paint just cant take the abrasion. Good call on your part, down the road your much better off.

PAINT PAINT PAINT!!!

Awlgrip makes the best marine paint money can buy PERIOD. Its fair from inexpensive but it will look and last damn near as good as the factory gelcoat.. Thats the best advice I can give to you. Find a local painter who is good but affordable. Maybe a guy who paints out of his house and buy this paint. They make all different colors and even have metal flake. Just make sure after you do your sanding and prepping that you wipe down the whole boat with acetone. It will open up the pours in the gelcoat/resin that will absorb the sealer/primer much better. This step right here is often over looked and is the difference between a good paint job and a maaco. Obviously dont paint the bottom, it will chip over time from hitting small debris in the water.

For what it's worth, my scarab was primed over well scuffed gel with a urethane/catalyst primer, based with sikkens, graphics were done in house of kolor, then clear about 15 coats with the high end ppg. It looks fantastic, but doesn't tolerate any kind of roughness around the corners. Funny thing is the bottom was painted as well, and it's the only part of the boat that hasn't scratched yet.