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This is probably a dumb question, but I'll ask it anyway. I keep seeing where some of you are using awgrip in place of gelcoat. What is the difference in the 2? Do they look comparable when the finished coat is applied?
My understanding of Awlgrip, it always has a great shine but difficult to repair scratches, fairly durable...Gelcoat is easy to repair scratches, very durable but requires work to achieve shine.
A painted hull makes it more difficult to repair scratches and restore the original luster of the finish. In short, it often requires a re-application of paint. Some paints are better than others, but Awlgrip and IMRON are two popular choices. A painted boat that lives in the sun and on the water will suffer terribly in comparison to one kept on a trailer and under covered storage.
The gelcoat is much harder to apply correctly...and accordingly, it costs more to apply....but it is considered a superior finish.
Painting the hull is less expensive, and less difficult to apply - there are more locations that are qualified to apply it, etc - and accordingly, it is considered a quality finish, but not on the same level as gelcoat.
My Dad's boat is painted with a very durable finish and a nice shine - but you can definitely tell it's painted when you get close. Conversely, my Whaler has a few beauty marks on her gelcoat, but you can just tell it is a superior finish....and to be honest, my dad's boat hardly ever gets used and he it meticulous about cleaning it - so while mine us usually dusty (it is stored in a hay barn) and a little dingy, his fairly gleams.....but you can still tell that the Gelcoat is better.
All of this is my opinion of course - and like a father to an ugly child - my Whaler is beautiful in my eyes.
