BOAT VALUE OF A "PAINTED HULL" VS WHITE.???????

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Jun 4, 2004
8
Catalina 27 Erie,Penna.
HELLO: LOOKING TO HAVE MY HULL REPAINTED, THE QUESTION IS WILL IT ADD TO OR TAKE AWAY FROM THE VALUE IF I WAS TO HAVE IT PAINTED A DARK BLUE VS WHITE??????
 

Phil Herring

Alien
Mar 25, 1997
4,924
- - Bainbridge Island
Where are you?

I've heard that dark hulls can be considered a liability in really hot climates. Otherwise, I would assume at the very least it would help sell your boat faster, and probably add some nominal amount to the value, but I doubt if you can fully justify the cost based on resale value.
 
Jun 4, 2004
5
Oday Mariner Beverly Hills MI
Looks Good - Harder to keep up

There is a definite trend for dark hulls that does add some new life to older boats. We have a dark teal orginal hull from the 60's that we have been able to buff back to life. It does get compliments all the time. The caveat: dark hulls do take more care with scrathes and rubbing. If you're willing to keep it up, go for it. If you want to paint and forget, it may hurt the value in the long run.
 
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
Remember the famous quote.

I don't recall who said it, might have been Bill Bucan, "There are only two colors for a sailboat, black or white. And anyone who paints their boat black, is crazy".
 
Jun 4, 2004
273
Oday 25 Alameda
Hot Boat

A liveaboard a few slips away painted his topsides with a dark blue LPU. Then he bought sunshades and an air conditioner.
 

Ed A

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Sep 27, 2008
333
Hunter 37c Tampa
darker paints are less desirable.

They are hot, they fade a lot and dont hold color in the sun. I woould never paint one unless it had to have it. once you start painting a boat you never stop!
 

Phil Herring

Alien
Mar 25, 1997
4,924
- - Bainbridge Island
Like teak decks

Your post, Ed, reminds me of the argument about teak decks. You _know_ they're going to be a liability someday, logic says run away... but gee, they sure cool... :)
 

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,193
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Speaking of Dark Hulls

...when overseas I was reading a UK sailing mag. There was a story on Swans that were recalled to retrofit gas valves in the hull to permit gas exhaust from the hull cores caused by hull heating. This was aggrevated by dark colors. These valves were described as like reverse bike tire valves. The hulls delaminated from their core and in one case at least, the entire external skin was replaced(!). FWIW, they also had an inspection program on rudders. Seems like a few were lost offshore. Rick D.
 

Phil Herring

Alien
Mar 25, 1997
4,924
- - Bainbridge Island
Wow... imagine what that post would look like!

I can see it now: "Swan really has to do some work on their quality control. When I pay $850,000 for a boat I do not expect the hull to delaminate." :)
 

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,193
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Dark Hulls Are Really Cool, But Seriously

I had a wood T-Bird 26. Like Ragtime, for those who remember, I painted the hull Endeavor blue with a red boot stripe and gold cove stripe. The decks were light gray and the (lots of) brightwork was a red mahogany with Captains varnish that had a gold cast. The cabin top and cockpit were white and the mast white. Seriously, mega yachts used to come around to take a look at it and I used to get cheers from the breakwater. However, the heat caused the glass to crack on one side requiring repair. Surprising what a difference the sun makes on a dark hull! And, you could see every nick in the hull. I had to touch it up after any serious cruise, which wasn't too hard with plain old Z-Spar enamel. You can't beat the appearance. just know what you are getting into. Rick D.
 
Jun 4, 2004
629
Sailboat - 48N x 89W
All good advice...and

I think it was Samual Herreshof who said only black & white. Take note of the cautions about heat - it's BAD for the occupants and the laminate.
 

Tom S

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Feb 4, 2004
172
Catalina 36mkII Stamford, CT
There is a practical benefit to dark hulls

(other than how beautiful they can look when done well). Is that in heavy fog, it's a lot easier to see a dark hull in the distance than a white hull. I have read in the past that's why you traditionally saw a lot of the "Down-East" manufacturers with dark hulls
 
Jun 4, 2004
6
- - -
Only paint if you have to.

There is definitely something attractive about blue, black, even red hulls. They also look at bit more upscale, simply because it's usually seen on higher priced boats. Only paint if you have to, in order to maintain the boat. If you do, make sure you don't skimp on the paint. Specify only polyurathane or polyester paint. Acrylics are not as durable. If you are in a southern climate, expect a big difference in the temp of the hull on sunny days. DO NOT paint the deck a dark color. You will not be happy with it, for several reasons.
 
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