Painting a fiberglass bass boat?

Question

I have a 16.5 foot, 1990 Sprint bass boat. The metal flake paint and gel coat are faded. The boat was only $2800, so I really don't want to put much into it. Can I just take it to Maaco or someplace and have them use enamel paint on it? If not, what paint should I use and how much would it cost to get painted?

Answer 1

is the paint for function or for looks?

if for looks, maaco would probably be fine.

keep in mind that typically boats are painted light colors on the bottom and dark on top (think of fish coloration)

if the paint serves a purpose other than aesthetics, better to get it done professionally. (i.e. if you're worried about it sinking, better not risk it)

Answer 2

The boat is made of fiberglass and you should be able to paint it similar to how you paint a car. If you take it to Maaco they will  know if any special treatment is necessary

Answer 3

Boats have a really thick gel coat as it is. why not try to buff out the oxidation first. If it has gotin all the way into the paint then take it to the shop.

Also do not get enamel paint. It will fade faster then anything. Also it cracks really easily. Go with a urethane base paint it will flex with the fiberglass and not fade. And get it re-gelled it seals the fiberglass in and does not let it get wet. Fiberglass will warp of time if it get extremely wet, and well that what the boat is for.

Answer 4

Fiberglass is a great surface for painting.  Any oil based enamel will stick to it.   With good preparation,  especially light sanding with a 200 paper,  you can spray on any auto or even just ordinary house paint.   I don't think Maaco will do boats,  since they may use heat to cure the paint.

Answer 5

You will want to do the prep work yourself if you do let MACCo paint it.

All you do is sand the entire boat with 800 grit sandpaper.

Make sure everything is dull (no shine).

Tape off everything - or remove - before painting.

If there are cracks - grind them out (die grinder) and fill with tiger hair filler (and parts store).

Prime repaired areas - and sand with 800 grit paper.

Finally your ready for paint.

You want the bottom of the boat painted white.

The top 1/2 you want :

step#1  white basecoat

step#2 red metallic topcoat (whatever color)

step#3 street tough clearcoat -

Also tell them you want it rubbed out and buffed.

Answer 6

Try waxing it first.  If this does not help it probably just needs to be clear coated again.

Answer 7

buff it out first. if there is hull damage then REGELCOAT you want to use a self abating 2 part epoxy. I like blue water marine. Maaco will try to use automotive enamel and it will peal off and look 10 times worse.