Well, after going from an 17.5’ Scout to this “monster”, I must say that little boats are much more pleasant to dock and tow.
The beautiful blue hull on the boat now has a nice 2’ long “light blue” mark down the side after a “run-in” with a pontoon when I was trying to put the boat in a slip. Sucks because it sticks out like a sore thumb due to the color.
I’m kinda pissed, but what is done, is done. I am curious though, can the scratches be fixed? I mean – would a color code be able to be obtained from Wellcraft and then just have the scratches painted/buffed/waxed?
depends on how deep they are, they may be able to be waxed out, but if gelcoat is needed u will never hget it to match exactly, close is doable but matchin exactly is very unlikely
19’ Key West CC 140 Johnson
16’ War Eagle 40 Yami
12’ Alumacraft 1954 Johnson 5.5
“The charm of fishing is that, it is the pursuit of what is elusive, but attainable; a perpetual series of occasions for hope.”
I had a boat with a navy blue hull once. While beautiful, it would scratch and mar by just looking at it, and every mark stood out on it like crazy. I loved that boat, but was happy when it drove off behind someone elses vehicle! My last 4 boats have all come down in size! Smaller equals easier to handle, maintain, operate, more economy, etc. Good luck with your new one. I saw the pics and it likes like a fine boat. You’ll get used to handling a larger boat quick.
I have a black hull, so I know the scratch stands out like crazy bit. For the scratches I have unfortunately gotten, I use a black lacquer touch up brush. I clean out the scratch with acetone and then a apply a thin layer of the black lacquer touch up. The lacquer is thin and does not fill in the scratch but it makes it black so it does not stand out.
Pursuitgang (RealTime)
2486 Triton w/twin Suzuki DF140s (RealTime)
1720 KeyWest 90 Johnson
clean it with acetone and possilbly use a colored permanent marker, thats what we use on our ski nautique, its a blue hull. just a cheap altnerative instead of trying to color match if the scratch is not that large.
I’ve now noticed that I need to “drift” up to docks, etc. Simply bump in/out of gear as needed and just creek up to where I’m going. I’m just an impatient bastard, but now, I know that needs to change. I made many great approaches the next day after realizing that I can’t be in any sort of a hurry. Another person on board really helps, but I don’t always have that luxury…
USMCsilver, I also am out single handed sometimes and the wind seems to blow like crazy when I am flying solo. I went to West Marine and bought a telescoping dock pole for about $20.00. I generally get to within 8’ of the dock and just hook a cleat with the dock pole and the rest is history. A smooth landing with no accidents.
Thanks. I actually picked up the pole before I did the boat, but sadly enough, I’ve yet to try it out. The next time I approach, I’ll break out the pole.
I have found, though, that a larger boat doesn’t push around by hand as well as a little one does. LOL!