campbellt3 Posted September 18, 2020 Report Share Posted September 18, 2020 I am close to putting down a deposit on a new Pathfinder 2200 TRS. I am having a hard time deciding on the exterior color, but will go with whisper grey or haze grey. Would the lighter whisper grey color be easier to maintain? Would haze grey be more difficult? I see heavily oxidized navy blue boats often enough to give me concern, but I do not recall seeing a dark gray boat that has faded that way. Is it because the dark grey colors are easier to maintain or because grey colors have become popular more recently and have not been around long enough to show wear yet. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernieNC Posted September 18, 2020 Report Share Posted September 18, 2020 Pure White! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DavidG Posted September 18, 2020 Report Share Posted September 18, 2020 My only suggestion would be to keep your boat clean and covered. The dark colors on boats absorb the sun and if left uncleaned and non covered have a tendency to oxidize quicker...David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BradM Posted September 18, 2020 Report Share Posted September 18, 2020 I've had two dark blue boats and now a dark dark gray (anthracite gray) one. None of them have ever had the faded or chalky look and texture to them. It's all in the upkeep.....I keep my boats covered when not in use and wax them a few times a year, just like you would a car. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DavidG Posted September 18, 2020 Report Share Posted September 18, 2020 Amen Brad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DavidG Posted September 18, 2020 Report Share Posted September 18, 2020 Campbelt3, the first thing I did was order a cover for my Hewes, As Florida is hell on boats and UV protection. I found my cover at Carver boat covers online and it took a week to receive but it fit perfectly, 10 year warranty, highest UV rating and most importantly was cheaper then any local cover maker in Jax! It’s great your planning and thinking BEFORE you purchase a new one! I’m anal on caring for my boat and glad to see others are.....David. P.S. This cover has been through 1 Hurricane and 1 tropical storm and held up great! Secondly it’s also trailerable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
campbellt3 Posted September 19, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2020 Thank you for the responses. My boat will be stored outside but I plan to purchase a canvas cover right away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted September 19, 2020 Report Share Posted September 19, 2020 5 minutes ago, campbellt3 said: Thank you for the responses. My boat will be stored outside but I plan to purchase a canvas cover right away. Way to go. Suggest you have vents put into the cover to keep air movement. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attitudeindicator Posted September 19, 2020 Report Share Posted September 19, 2020 Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought paint won't fade like gel coat would... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Posted September 19, 2020 Report Share Posted September 19, 2020 Gelcoat will fade faster than Marine paints. However, paint is not good for small boat hull/deck surfaces in the long run. Gelcoat is easier to keep looking new. Scratches come out easily. Stains come out easier. Like everybody has said, protect the gelcoat with wax, and keep it covered. Lifts complicate the matter. MM 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
campbellt3 Posted September 19, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2020 4 hours ago, fin-addict said: Way to go. Suggest you have vents put into the cover to keep air movement. Great suggestion. I've seen covers with solar powered fans to help move the air around. Does anyone have any experience with them? Are they worth the cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted September 19, 2020 Report Share Posted September 19, 2020 4 hours ago, Moderator said: Gelcoat will fade faster than Marine paints. However, paint is not good for small boat hull/deck surfaces in the long run. Gelcoat is easier to keep looking new. Scratches come out easily. Stains come out easier. Like everybody has said, protect the gelcoat with wax, and keep it covered. Lifts complicate the matter. MM Why not good on small boat hulls, decks. What is small too you. Just asking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted September 19, 2020 Report Share Posted September 19, 2020 3 hours ago, campbellt3 said: Great suggestion. I've seen covers with solar powered fans to help move the air around. Does anyone have any experience with them? Are they worth the cost? Some guys use fans, but I'm don't like anything running or using electricity in my boat on a continuous basis. Sooner or later you'll have some type of failure and could cause a fire. I have a full cover on my 23 HPS with three vents. Same cover also covers the motor. There is a big gap on both sides where the motor and transom connect. These gaps allow plenty of fresh air to enter and be exhausted out of the vents. I would also suggest a cover that comes down over the sides of the boat to protect the gelcoat 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
campbellt3 Posted September 19, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2020 53 minutes ago, SCFD rtrd. said: Some guys use fans, but I'm don't like anything running or using electricity in my boat on a continuous basis. Sooner or later you'll have some type of failure and could cause a fire. I have a full cover on my 23 HPS with three vents. Same cover also covers the motor. There is a big gap on both sides where the motor and transom connect. These gaps allow plenty of fresh air to enter and be exhausted out of the vents. I would also suggest a cover that comes down over the sides of the boat to protect the gelcoat Great suggestions, I will do the same. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DavidG Posted September 21, 2020 Report Share Posted September 21, 2020 Cambellt3, I know everyone here uses different companies for tops but I highly recommend Carver boat tops. ( you can find them on the web) You just tell them what year, what kind of boat, T tops or platforms. They will also install vents. They have every color you could imagine as well as different thickness of material. ( the heavier the material the longer the warranty). They typically ship within 1 week and yes these covers are trailer able. I’ve had mine for 2 years and perfect fit ( all the way from the bow and up and over my rear platform AND motor And power pole. Plus it covers the sides.Its been through 1 hurricane and a couple of tropical storms and held up great!....David PS... They are also affordable for your average boat owner! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polliwog Posted September 25, 2020 Report Share Posted September 25, 2020 If you have a good guy to shoot Awl Grip the color will last for many years . I had my 32ft Lobster boat ,a Wilbur, shot with Flag blue Navy 15 yrs ago and it looks like it was done last year. Don't fear darker colors fading with AWL Grip. BTW I bgt the boat new with the same color in gel coat and it was done,faded in 5 yrs. You'll be happy with recoating the boat with the color in whatever color suits you. Good luck. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.