Refinishing an 1985 nautique

Aaron_C · Newbie Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 5

Does anyone know what the difference is between refinishing let's say a corvette, which is fiberglass, and a 1985 ski nautique? I am skilled in automotive paints, however, I was unsure about other aspects of boat paint. If anyone knows, I could use some advice. Based on the materials, I see no reason why a person couldnt simply refinish their boat with automotive urethane or polyurethane paints.

w$r az style · Soul Rider Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 384 City: Arizona

that is somewhat possible. but boats arnt really painted they have gel coat. and decals. so i dunno what you mean. and the fiberglass is sometimes painted and sometimes made in a color.

Nor*Cal · Ladies Man Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 9479 City: Sac

Aaron- A lot of sport boats use a paint that can be applied over gelcoat. My friend did a sweet job on his alcohol fuel drag boat. I'll try and figure out what paint he used. I've moved since then so I'm not sure if I can but go to your local paint store or a shop that does racing boats and ask around. There is a special paint he used.

Aaron_C · Newbie Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 5

Ok, here's what I figured out. It appears the only special materials one must use when painting on gelcoat is a layer of this special epoxy-based primer that helps adhere to the gelcoat. Otherwise, the paint is the same, with exception to the clear coat, which I guess there are marine grade clear coats for exactly this purpose.

Wake upPp · Soul Rider Joined: 11 Feb 2003 Posts: 338 City: NOR-CAL

automotive paints work fine. if you are painting the bottom of the hull you won't want the boat to stay in the water for extended amounts of time however.

devo · Posted: Mar 19, 2003 2:58 pm Post subject:

You need to ask hyperlite-proairman. He is a great body man. I will send him your way.

Aaron_C · Newbie Joined: 14 Mar 2003 Posts: 5

thanks devo- I can use lots of advice for a project of this magnitude.

jaysunn · Criminal Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 91 City: ATX

Are you wanting to change the color & that's why you want to paint? If you are ok with the color have you thought about wet sanding? I did it on my 1990 Prostar 190 and it looks like a fresh gel-coat. Personally I think keeping the boat the original gelcoat will help in the re-sale. If you would consider wet-sanding let me know and I will tell you how I did it. My boat was pretty heavily oxidized so it took about 15-20 hrs w/breaks of work to get it where I wanted. Plus with a painted boat repairs will be a hassle, like a car. Where as if you keep it gel repairs are a breeze. A gel-coat is very forgiving, you would be suprised what you can do w/just wet-sandpaper , a buffer & compound. Not to mention it's cheaper than painting.