posted 02-18-2004 09:58 PM ET (US)        

The interior of the hull is really bad, screw holes, chips, stretch marks, etc, and the exterior of the hull has more than it's fair share of bangs, dings, dents, holes, stretch marks, patches, etc... than you can shaek a stick at.

In the process of getting ready, I stumbled accross a boat painter/restorer that is STRONGLY suggesting I go with Awlgrip's AWLCRAFT 2000. He says it's got a 15 year life span.

Well, at 1/2 the cost of Gel Coat, I'm interested, but wanted to get this forum's expert opinion first.

I'm going to keep the boat for at least 10 years, so I want the best solution, not necessarily the cheapest.

What would you suggest?

posted 02-19-2004 10:50 AM ET (US)            

Take a look at my 22' Outrage. It was shot with Awlcraft 2000 last weekend. If it an indication of the quality of the paint, every Hattaras comes from the factory with an Awlgrip paint job. As for it lasting 15 years, the answer is yes. Will it look like new for 15 years, the answer is no. It is much easier to touch up than gelcoat.

posted 02-19-2004 12:17 PM ET (US)            

Your registration numbers are incorrectly spaced. They should read FL 1234 AB, not FL1234AB. Basically you need a space between the Fl and 1234 and between the 1234 and the AB. I would hate to see you get pulled over after coming back from Shooters for something small like your FL numbers. O, and nice paint job.

posted 02-19-2004 09:56 PM ET (US)            

Two part polyurethane paints such as Awlgrip/Awlcraft, Sterling, Interthane, etc. can give fantastic results that look great for years. I would say expect 6-10 years of "like new" appearance if the boat is kept in the sun, and 10-15 years if kept under cover. If you want to see what a polyurethane paint job looks like, go to any large marina & look at any Hattaras Yacht (they're painted with Awlgrip at the factory), or any custom yacht such as Rybovich, Merritt, Garlington, Huckins, Jarrett Bay, Striker etc, which are all painted with these paints as well. The results are spectacular.

Your question is whether to paint or re-gelcoat. If you were restoring a 50' Bertram, Viking, or similar gelcoated yacht, the ONLY answer you'd even consider would be to paint it (re-gelcoating is far too labor intensive for a large yacht), but since you're talking about a 20' Whaler, where re-gelcoating is possible (if very expensive), I'll give you my "pro's & cons" of each approach:

TWO PART POLYURETHANE PAINT:

PRO'S-
*Shinier, harder, prettier finish than new gelcoat.

*Finish is much easier to keep clean than new gelcoat (no more waxing!).

*Much easier & cheaper to achieve a "like new" appearance than gelcoat.

CON'S-
*Thinner coating can be more easily scratched.

*Harder to successfully patch dings & gouges later.

*Suitable for above the waterline only...if you paint the entire hull, and keep the boat in the water for more than a few days at a time, small blisters will form in the coating.

*Similarly, you must guard against trapping water against the painted surface...water trapped under seat cushons, etc can cause small water blisters in the coating. These will dry out later, but they weaken the coating.

*10 year lifespan for "like new" apearance is shorter than new gelcoat.

RE-GELCOATING:

PRO's-

*Possible to obtain the same durable finish as when the boat was new.

*Most durable finish available.

*Should last longer than polyurethane paint if waxed & maintained.

CON's-

*tremendous labor involved in achieving "like new" finish means the cost is typically much higher.

*As a result, most "re-gelcoats" I've seen are not near as smooth as a new boat or as a polyurethane painted boat. (I would want to see boats done by the repairer before I would pay anyone to re-gelcoat). Many have an uneven "orange peel" finish look.

* The more reasonable the price tag for re-gelcoating, the more likely you will be dissappointed in the finish, as the only way to achieve a "like new" look is many man-hours of sanding & polishing.

If I were you, I would have your boat painted...but I'm not you. I hope this helps in your decision.