I have a 14’ Starcraft SS, just your basic semi-V aluminum boat. It is riveted.
It was painted with roof paint (blackjack) which is peeling off. The boa does not leak through the rivets but I have my suspicions that it will if I thoroughly strip the paint, although probably not bad.
I’ve heard a little about boat wraps, and was wondering what an affordable DIY options there might be for aluminum boats.
Otherwise, I’ll fish with it this season and make painting it my winter project next season. I’d probably just strip, sand, spray with etching primer, and topcoat with rustoleum.
Strip and paint it. It will be cheaper and last longer. The average rap on boat from what I have read will last between 3 and 4 years depending on use.
He must Increase,but I must decrease. John 3:30
Stripping it shouldn’t be too hard, it doesn’t seem to be sticking to the aluminum well anyhow. I’m a professional wood finisher so I have all the equipment I need to do a good paint job.
I’ve read around, seems a lot of folks have good luck using Rustoleum etching primer and just topcoating with standard Rustoleum.
Also easier to touch up if you need to. I would give it a light 150-220 sand and spray away.
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Be darn sure to use a good primer on a clean surface!Ive have an alm. boat painted with latex epoxie 7 years ago still looks good, cant remember the primer tho! Got it from a Porter paint store
I had the exact same senerio. Riveted and painted with roof paint. I stripped it off with a wire wheel, cleaned it with acetone, and sealed every rivet. Picked up the Rustoleum boat primer and topside paint in the quart cans at Lowes (it’s only a Jon Boat!) and followed the instructions. Still looks great after three years! Good product and I would use it again. They have several different colors, I used red on mine. Keeps the Haints away!
19’ Fiberskiff, 150 Bluewater Mercury. 14’ Gamefisher, 5hp Mercury.
Strip it, sand it, then redo the rivets with JB weld or 5200(be generous with it) and prime it then pant it.
I just did this with my Jon boat!
Also didn’t you just camo out an old truck?
Yes, I did camo the truck, mostly. It’s not done. The only time I’m off work and I have good weather, I go fishing lol. Otherwise it’s been too rainy or too cold to finish the camo.
I may camo the boat, but I don’t really duck hunt. I want the boat to remain really visible (bright white hull, maybe a slightly darker color inside).