Changing Colors

[VizualXTC]

I have a few questions. I have searched and searched and searched, and I might just not know what exactly I am looking for (or the search query doesn't understand what I am asking)

First Off, as the title states, I want to change the color of my boat. I have seen posts and pages on gelcoat, as well as paint.

The question I have is: Will a paint job stand up to the abuse put on it from the water? I have a 1978 Invader (I think) and it is a very ugly yellow that is oxidized and I'm a little worried that the paint will strip off when I'm pulling a skier or just cruising.

If gelcoat is the answer, what is the best way to apply this to change the color? Do I need to paint, and then apply the gelcoat, or can I tint the gelcoat so that it's an easier job. What would the process entail?

How do I paint the bottom of the boat? The trailer will get in the way. is there an easy way to remove the boat from the trailer?

Thank you in advance for your helpful comments.

[VizualXTC]

Also, what is the maintenance on both? Will I have to repaint it every year? If it fades and oxidizes, will I be able to buff out the gelcoat to regain the shine, or will I have to reapply the gelcoat? Thanks again for any help you can provide.

[IMP-ish]

I'm about as far from a pro painter as you can get, so take my advice for what it's worth. But here's what I've learned over the last 20 years.

If money is no object, my own preference would be a gelcoat hull. You can tint gelcoat any color. I like the ability to buff out any small scratches. But, re-gelcoating a full boat is not easy and you won't be happy with your first try at it (and probably not your 2nd or 3rd.) It's a product made to be sprayed into a mold when the boat is first made; after that you can do the touchup kits for small areas with some practice and a lot of elbow grease, but a whole boat... Most people will paint once the original gelcoat can't be buffed out any more.

With paint, the 1-part poly paints are easy to apply by an amateur painter like me. But they are less durable and fade. I'd give a one-part paint job 2-5 years depending on the color. Also the 1-part paints are for above the waterline. They won't strip off when underway from the water, but they'll blister or change if underwater too long, few months, and they may get rubs from bumpers at the dock where the gloss "rubs" off and changes.

A 2-part paint is more durable but harder to apply and takes some practice to get a perfect finish. Preparation and practice are the keys. Else lots of sanding and another try, and it's not cheap to mess up per quart.

There may be easier ways. When I painted my bottom I used jack stands and moved them around as needed with 2 spares to allow moving them.

[VizualXTC]

Thank you for your reply IMP-ish. I have been painting cars for a few years, so I'm not too afraid of the application, more about the durability.

What are some good 2-part paints? How long would the paint job last?

I don't rent a slip, I just take it to the lake, and take it home when I'm done. I'm usually out for about 5-7 hours at a time.

Thanks again for your help

[eyschulman]

two part algrip will last 15 years and out shine gel with little or no maint. If you keep it covered (no cover rub) it will out last you.

[VizualXTC]

Thank you guys so much for your replies. I really appreciate it.