Thinking about painting the exterior of the boat above waterline

[ris]

My boat is about polished to the fiberglass in some places. Since 2003 it has just been compounded too many times. Not sure if I should paint or just try another round of compounding and then polishing. What do you folks think?
Thanks for your thoughts.

[chipveres]

I know I gave up on the gelcoat on my 1973 Mac. Paint is the only solution I can afford. I sanded her all over and used the cleaning stuff that's for removing the last traces of wax. Still looks like a 47 year old boat, but at least clean and not dismal.

Chip
s/v Sand Dollar

[NiceAft]

My boat is about polished to the fiberglass in some places. Since 2003 it has just been compounded too many times. Not sure if I should paint or just try another round of compounding and then polishing. What do you folks think?
Thanks for your thoughts.

The only parts of the boat I have painted are the raccoon stripes. I got tired of polishing. I did a lot of research, and Benjamin Moore impervex latex high gloss enamel (black) was the result.

The paint is not very viscous, so you must be aware of it’s thinness. It is a superior product, and other Mac board members have testified to their experience with it, but not on their Mac’s.

I’m sure it comes in gloss white. It’s tough stuff. Do the proper prep, and it should reward you.

[Russ]

Paint is certainly an option. Ray seems to have had great success with that Benjamin Moore product. My dad's boat got serious hull damage and they had no choice but to paint it. Looks great.
Before painting, you will need to do some serious prep.

I would give this a shot before going that far.
I've had great success with this product and a good powered polisher.

[kurz]

how about gel coat that you can spray can?

[ris]

Russ your product is not showing up on my computer.

[ris]

Russ your product is not showing up on my computer. Now I see it, I think we will try this over the winter. I know that painting is the last option for us. Thanks for all the replies.
Richard

[Russ]

Russ your product is not showing up on my computer.

I think members have to be logged in to see the links.

[Ixneigh]

I painted mine light blue. I love the look (duh its mine) I also awlgripped the black. (Hard)
For the hull I used Interlux britesides. So so paint. I repaint every few years. That parts pretty easy and takes an afternoon.

[ris]

Thanks Ixneigh, we have not made a final decision yet. Nice boat and really nice picture.

[Herschel]

I am in the same "boat". Considering paint for my '98 X that sits at a marina slip all year. Nice to get some ideas on brand. This winter I expect to repaint the bottom. Wondering about topside. Sides still look pretty good.

[1st Sail]

Herschel,
What a coincidence. I was thinking of messaging you this. Boat Works Today on Youtube just posted an episode roller painting a hull using the new Alexseal additive for roll on applications. Excellent detailed video. Check 20:20 when the bubbles from the roller literally pop and retract into the surface. Hope you are safe and healthy.