To Paint or Have Painted... or not

[ChrisClark]

First, I did a search through the posts previously answered but still have some questions. I am slowly getting my very old 16' Lund V-hull into decent shape. It is not a spectactular boat and is very old but I plan to get some years of use out of it. The hull has one place on the bottom/right side where there was some previous somewhat sloppy fiberglass work done (I can see the outline of the glass patch used.) The paint on the hull is old and cracks and flakes a tiny bit at a couple places (one was where it bumped the dock on a recent float test.) As with most people with young children I am pretty sensitive to spending $$$ but I also want to be safe and all. I will be running the boat in fresh-water only.<br />Question 1: What can happen if I don't paint the hull? <br />Question 2: How much time/$$$ is it to paint yourself vs have it done by a professional? Question 3: Any tips on searching and querying professionals?<br />Question 4: How do you paint the parts of the boat that rest on the trailer? I could be creative, but that involves experimentation... we all know where that can lead.<br /><br />Any thoughts would be appreciated.<br /><br />PS My wife wants the top half painted because it is old and ugly and well... you know. So I guess I am doing that part no matter what. I was thinking this part was more straight forward.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Chris

 

[crab bait]

Re: To Paint or Have Painted... or not

if it needs paint ,,paint it..what would be cheaper.. for you to slapp on some paint or have it done by a pro.. come on!! sun ( uv ) hurts fiberglass in a major way.. paint is the protector.. give a good ole' boat a break,, give her some paint ,,, my goodness..

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: To Paint or Have Painted... or not

1 fiber glass seperation 2 depends on how much sanding (the more the,better paint job,its all in the prep work),paint=$150. Professional-time to get out the big bucks and this time of year good luck,also try not getting riped off ( I have seen good painters work out of dives and sucky ones in posh digs,then hope they had a good nights sleep and not fighting with the wife ect...). 3 Ask a couple of the car shops painters. I am sure you wont be the first one that came around asking them to paint a boat. 4 Hook trailer to car, let some slack out on crank,back up and hit the brakes. Dont unhook trailer untill you crank it back up where it belongs or you have a great spring board.