Anyone repowered with a newer drive? (AQ 100 to AQ 270)

Once you drive one with trim, you will never go back.

jim

 

I know what you mean. I've been in a few boats in the past, and the tilt/trim system is a must have IMO. It removes some of the big variables in boating in different locations (depth, water roughness, control in higher speeds, etc...). I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir. Well, I've thought myself into a new predicament... My friend and I are both going to be re-finishing our boats this winter, and just don't know where to start as far as paints go. His hull is in excellent shape, not really needing any kind of 'glass work... so he should be set with a light sanding. We're not sure what paint to use. We don't want to gelcoat because of cost, lack of experience with gelcoating, and from what I've read, how finicky the stuff can be.

I've read about Top Paints, Bottom Paints, primers, existing gel coats, and a bunch of other stuff... and I can honestly say I'm confused as can be. On one hand, I've seen that people will paint the entire boat with the same type paint, and on the other hand, I've seen that there can be a difference in the paints used on the top side of the hull versus the bottom. We wouldn't need biocides for strictly freshwater hulls would we? Also, I have gathered that there should be an existing gelcoat over the prepped fiberglass. This has to exist in its entirety to paint? I ask this because my boat has pinholes coming through the finish, and lots of cracks in the finish. From what I've read and seen, this was a very poor attempt at gelcoating... correct? It shows the signs of gelcoating in the wrong temperatures with the wrong thickness, and maybe even without following the gelcoat manufacturer's time table for application. I guess what I'm trying to ask is what paint should we use, and how in the world would I go about prepping my boat in this condition for paint?

The paints I've seen used on this site are Dupont Imron and Interlux Perfection. If Imron were used, I assume it would be pretty much like an automotive paint job... prime, paint, clear? The Interlux is a marine paint, but how much would I need? The Imron would be much more cost efficient if any more than a quart would be needed, but apparently it's pretty volatile.

Sorry about all the questions, and I appreciate any help you can give me.

 

I can't help you with paint. I had mine done.

I would suggest that you start a new thread with some kind of paint title to get to the right people here.

If you don't get any results with that, I would try at www.screamandfly.com

They have a section on glass work and paint and there are some pros there.

jim