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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?

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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.

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Awlgrip is paint...Gelcoat is, well, Gelcoat.

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.

Cheers,

Dave