Hull Finish

**bagman** · 23rd April 2011, 01:15 PM

Hi Guys
I have been working away (albeit very slowly) on renovating my hard chine plywood runabout and am presently applying several coats of Bote-Cote non yellowing epoxy to the bottom of the hull. I had initially intended to apply 3 coats of epoxy and then a couple of coats of undercoat and topcoat to the entire hull and for contrast to apply a single part clear polyurerthane over the epoxy on the transom and the the top deck areas.
However the more I have filled, faired and finshed the bottom of the hull the more I would like to "show off" this area (even with some obvious history of repairs and dings). I now propose to epoxy the entire hull as before but to clear coat the bottom of the hull, the transom and the deck areas and to paint only the sides (white) for contrast.
Will a single part clear polyurethane stand up to normal wear and tear if used on the bottom of the hull and if so what brands should I be looking at ?
A couple of "work in progress" photos are attached to show you the hull shape and also attached is a photo of what my boat will look like if I don't get going with the finishing work !
Bagman

**PAR** · 23rd April 2011, 03:45 PM

If it was me, I wouldn't bother with the paint, contrast be damned. A single part polyurethane will hold up better then varnish, but it will not be as tough as a two part polyurethane or a good paint. I mean if you want to show it off, then go for it, you can paint later when you get tired of toughing up the clear coated stuff (you will, trust me). As for a brand, well the down under version would be best served by your countrymen.

**Darce** · 23rd April 2011, 07:59 PM

I live in Perth and the bright finish only lasts one season, with you being a banana bender it'll probably last even less. You need to live somewhere with no sun, like Melbourne, to enjoy a bright finished boat or it's just work work and more damn work. Especially if your running her up on the beach.

Make sure you have plenty of drainage, the soil gets acidic if the water sits inside and that's what boats are designed to do - hold water (out or in it's all the same). Plant your water lovers down low and your succulents higher for best foliage.

International two pack poly rocks, Jotun and Hempel are also very good value for money - a lot more economical than the International with damn near as good results.

**PAR** · 23rd April 2011, 09:21 PM

Paint is a last resort. Give the bright finish a try, you can always paint. Store it under cover out of the sun and you'll do okay if you keep up with dings and nicks.

**bagman** · 23rd April 2011, 11:34 PM

Thanks Par and Darce
I understand the caution you express with bright work but sadly even when the boat is completed it will probably still be in the garage most of the time - the project is mainly a hobby for me when I have free time at home. Based on what you have recommended I will investigate a suitable two pack clear polyurethane.
Do we take painting too seriously ? I am in Chengdu, Central China at the moment and just watched a local "auto shop" guy spray painting a front quarter panel repair on the pavement outside his shop. No spray booth, no protective equipment, pedestrians walking by and grit and dust swirling up from the 6 lanes of cars, trucks, scooters and motorised rickshaws rumbling only yards away. Remarkably the job looked OK !
Bagman

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