Hey guys. I have a 14' aluminum deep v outfitted with custom two level casting decks, storage systems and swivel seats. Anywho, the boat itself is very functional and versatile (I take no credit, it was purchased that way) however it is beginning to show its age. The current color is tan, was wanting to maybe paint the exterior white and the interior either green or blue. My brother in law says painting the hull white will reflect too much light up towards the fishermen in the boat. Does anyone know anything about this? Also, any suggestions for the hull other than white? I know it's a matter of taste more than anything, but I have a horrible imagination and just kinda need some suggestions. Thanks.

well there are certainly a LOT of white boats out there. Don't know anyone complaining about reflected glare. Personally, for the hull I'd just strip off the old paint and leave it unpainted. Interior, something easy on the eyes, perhaps a light tan or beige color.

if you are wanting to repaint it because its faded you might try putting 3 or 4 layers of clear coat on it but if oyou repaint it i've got buddies with white boats and the glare isnt any worse than my brown boat and white doesnt show scuffs near as bad like from rocks my brown boat everything shows dark colors also fade faster

Just like Bass or Bass? said, there are many boat that are white and don't reflect the sunlight. My boat is white (parker white) and it's fine. I would try to take off as much as the old paint and go with what ever color you prefer. I kinda like a light gray interior (deck) and a dark battle ship gray hull. I'm also a fan of the O.D. green color. Can't go wrong there. Many Jon boats and Skiffs are that color. Just remember, don't get the paint at your local hardware store or home depot. Go to a boating store/Marina...They have special paint for boats, etc, etc...

The interior and exterior hull of my glass boat is white with light gray carpeting. The white doesn't reflect light too badly, but it does show the water line if I don't hose it down after getting it back home. The light gray on the carpet is nice because it's fairly cool on sunny days and it won't show the dirt as much. You may want to consider this when you pick out the interior paint. Darker colors will definitely be warmer on bare skin than lighter colors.

I would strip the old finish first. Remember that paint is heavy. A good quality automotive paint will work, but on an aluminum surface prep work is critical. A wash with a weak acid solution to remove oxidation will make for a better job. Martin Senour/Sherwin Williams at one time sold a primer called Trioprime that was excellent for use on aluminum. It may still be available. Follow that with a finish of the color of your choice in a quality enamel. For the interior, think about one of the rough surfaced paints like the "speckle" paint many manufacturers use. Cuts down on glare and using a light color will keep surfaces cooler on a sunny day. Tom

Thanks for the insight and suggestions guys. Gotta say Barresi, didn't think about the battleship gray for the hull, but I might just look into that. Hilarious quote, 07gmcowner!! Lol!

On another note, any suggestions on manufacturers or types of interior carpeting? I'm definitely on a budget, but don't really mind spending a few extra coins if it means a good quality product. Thanks again!

Here are some shots of my boats colors.

Nice rig Bass or Bass?!!... I think the two-tone white on brown looks pretty sharp. While shopping for a boat I intended to get a boat an awful lot like yours, however I was talked out of fiberglass as a new boater... I heard it can be easy to accidentally poke a hole in the hull if you're not well versed with operating a boat out on the water. Your boat looks like it's built for some long comfortable hours out on the water. Nice.

Thanks, I've done an awful lot of work and modifications to this boat. I'm very pleased with it.
H I bought a boat that looked really nice and was told was in excellent condition. Before ever getting it in the water I spent $2000 to have the motor completely overhauled. The motor is a 1967 Evinrude Starflite 80. Runs like a champ now . After a few fishing trips on the lakes around here I noticed an ever worsening crunching sound under foot in 2 areas of the deck. The boat is a 1977 Glastron Sportster, 16'. I pulled up the carpet in those areas expecting to replace a little plywood and be done with it. WRONG. The plywood was so rotten I could just rip out chunks with my hands. My mechanic told me to replace the deck and stringers. Never tackled a job anything like this before, but at this point I was committed. I cut out the fiberglass all around the inside perimeter with pneumatic cutting tool and removed all plywood. I left the old stringers in place (1 down the keel, 1 on either side 1/2 way between keel and side of hull) as they weren't totally rotted out. The original stringers were pine, and plywood deck was 1/2" plywood. I bought red oak to make new stringers and 3/4" marine grade plywood for new deck. After cutting and shaping stringers to fit in place I treated all the new wood to waterproof it before installation. Mixed fiberglass resin, then diluted it 50% with acetone to allow it to penetrate into the new wood, and treated the old stringers as well .I applied 4 coats to completely seal and coat wood. Pulled out all the old open cell foam from the hull (it was all waterlogged and weighed a ton ), bought twice as much new foam, closed cell to prevent waterlogging. Installed the foam, and bolted new stringers to old ones, sandwiching the old ones with new on either side, Using stainless steel bolts. Screwed down new decking with brass screws. Applied new fiberglass cloth and resin to seal down new deck and form it to the hull. Bought new high quality outdoor carpeting and glued it to the new deck, using a roller to get it smooth and even. Then installed new high end pedestal seats from Cabela's to replace the original back to back lounge seats. Since then I have also added a new bimini top, Minkota Edge 50# thrust trolling motor, VHF marine band radio, Sirius satellite radio, Eagle 320c depth/fish finder, compass, submersible fishing lights, dual batteries on a 1/both/off switch, fishing rod storage tubes for 10 rods, motorcycle headlights for night time operation, interior cabin lights on both sides of boat, and a solar battery charger to keep batteries full charged at all times. I did all the work myself (except the motor overhaul ) over a period of about 5 months. I love the end result . I get constant compliments on the boat. It was a lot of work, but for me it was well worth it. Don't hesitate to ask me for any advise or help you would need should you decide to rebuild your "good bones" boat.       Happy fishing.

Allen

 

~N.A.F.C.~B.A.S.S.~BoatU.S.~N.R.A.~A.M.A.~

 
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I have an aluminum boat also and it was painted when I purchased it. I would suggest using a very good quality marine paint.  I repainted mine shortly after I bought it and a friend of mine painted his with automotive paint. He was repainting his in two years. Mine is still good after 6 years. I suggest prepping it well there is no need to strip the paint if it is adhering well. I went over mine with a wire brush and wiped it down with laquer thinner before painting. Do this in a well ventilated area. Another Idea that my friend did when his paint peeled was stripping it and the underside where the boat sits in the water he used the commercial truck bed liner material. It looks good and seems to keeps the bottom of his boat free from fowling. Then he used marine paint above the water line.