Painting Your Boat
Your boat’s paint job might not seem like a major concern. A watercraft’s color doesn’t affect its performance, so you might feel that your money is better spent on other forms of maintenance. However, there is a reason why “a fresh coat of paint” is often used as a synonym for refurbishment. A change in how your boat looks can completely alter how you feel about it. With the right paint job, you’ll be enjoying your boat like never before. Use this guide from Rhode Island Motorsports to get started.
Why Bother?
There are all kinds of reasons why you might want to paint your boat. If you have an older vessel for example, a new paint job can make it look new again. This is great if you want to cap off a refurbishment or make a used vessel feel more like it is yours. If you are trying to sell your boat, a new paint job is a great way to gussy it up for potential buyers. It is also a great opportunity for customization. Whether you have a set of specific colors in mind or just don’t like the standard paint job, you can bring your watercraft more into line with what you want.
Check Your Owner’s Manual
The unfortunate truth is that we can only offer general tips because there may be certain materials that are unsuitable for your boat. Luckily, your owner’s manual can provide you with a list of what products are and are not appropriate to use for your specific model. Always consult your manual before attempting to apply a particular paint. Otherwise, you may unintentionally cause damage to your craft.
Step-By-Step
Once you’ve found a paint that is safe for your vessel in a color that you like, it is time to move on to the painting itself. You will first need to remove any and all hardware including rails, cleats, and vents, as well as any wood trim. Also remove any personal belongings like life jackets or bluetooth speakers to avoid painting them by mistake.
Next you will need to inspect your craft’s surface for chips, dents, or gouges. Once you have repaired the damage, wash, de-wax, and thoroughly sand the surface of your boat. This will create an even, receptive surface for the paint job.
Before you start to paint, apply primer and allow it to dry thoroughly. While the paint itself may require multiple coats, only one or two coats of the primer should be sufficient. Once you’ve applied the paint to your satisfaction, re-wax the boat from stem to stern to keep the paint looking nice for longer.
We here at Rhode Island Watersports wish you luck in finding a shade that makes your boat look amazing. To view our selection of new and pre-owned watercraft or to access our financing and servicing departments, visit our dealership in Oakland, Rhode Island. We are also proud to serve nearby communities like Providence, Rhode Island.