InTheBite

  • Home
  • News
    • All News
    • Featured Stories
    • General News
    • Captain of the Year
    • Tournament Results
    • First Builds
    • Splash Reports
    • Old Salts Rule
    • Tackle Tips
    • Dock Talk
    • Crew Records
    • Conservation
  • Tournaments
    • Calendar
    • Captain of the Year
    • Champion’s Cup
  • Shop
    • All Products
    • Subscriptions
    • Back Issues
    • Shirts
    • Hats & Visors
    • Miscellaneous
    • Release Rulers
  • Classifieds
  • Job Board
  • Contact
    • Contact InTheBite
    • InTheBite Media Kit
  • Log in

Color Me Wow: Turn Heads and Blow Minds with Paint and Varnish Tech

May 27, 2020 By InTheBite Editor

80 Viking with blue hull running on ocean

The Viking 80 Convertible (hull #1) was painted with Awlcraft 2000 by Awlgrip. Photo courtesy Awlgrip

By Ric Burnley

As if the blazing sun, blue water and clear sky aren’t shiny enough, today’s sport fishing boats are so bright I gotta wear shades. Custom hull colors, metallic finishes, faux wood and silky smooth surfaces are bringing more bling to the water. There’s a lot of new eye candy; but what’s the latest in paint technology and how are these finishes achieved? We sat down with the pros for the low-down on finishes. Here is what we learned.

The Perfect Match

Walk down the dock at any major marlin tournament and you’ll notice that paint fashion has changed. We asked Tripp Nelson at Alexseal to explain the materials and science behind the new look.

“The biggest trend is custom colors,” Nelson starts. While Alexseal makes hundreds of shades of every color, they also offer custom looks. “We can create a color unique to that boat,” he explains. “We even let the owner name the color,” Nelson explains while describing that fighting lady yellow was named after the famous Fighting Lady boat. They make all colors of their standard Premium Topcoat 501 in a brushable or sprayable formula. “You can spray the hull and brush the engine room and have a perfect match.”

Alexseal exclusively offers factory-packaged colors where they mix the paint in a single location and spray out every batch to verify color accuracy. This allows the owner to get accessories painted to match and makes it easier to do repairs anywhere in the world. By producing all batches in their factory, Alexseal can ensure that samples of all colors are kept on file to allow for a better match every time.

Matt Anzardo at Awlgrip and Interlux has seen owners color match fabric swatches, boat hatches even team colors. “We offer the service of color matching so boaters or builders can maintain a consistent look and feel or go for something completely new,” Anzardo explains. They offer the colors across the three different product lines so the owner can choose the best color and finish to meet his needs.

transom of a boat painted to look like wood

“I can’t believe it’s not wood!” Modern paints and finishes allow marine painters to produce wood-like finishes that are not only realistic, but less expensive, lighter and better for the environment. Photos courtesy of Rick Varey

Trending Now

At Alexseal, Nelson has noticed darker solid colors are becoming more popular. “Pastels and light colors are not as common today,” he says, “we see a lot of dark blue and dark grey.” The biggest increase has been metallic colors. “The boat industry follows the auto industry,” he explains, “and we’re seeing more metallic colors on boats.”

Metallic finishes require a base coat and clear coat. Nelson explains that they use aluminum and pearlescent pigmentation to give a deep brilliance. “A base coat and clear coat process allows for a more consistent metallic finish compared to older single coat applications,” Nelson explains.

Awlgrip offers a two-step base coat and clear coat metallic finish. “We even have a system to repair metallic finishes,” Anzardo says, “Metallic finishes give the boat an extra wow factor, and we see more sportfish owners are opting for.”

At Pettit Paints, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Don Zabransky is excited about new products and technologies that make top-coat painting easier and safer. “Now DIY jobs can have the professional-finish of two-part linear polyurethane film systems.” Their new EZ-Poxy Performance Enhancer is added to EZ-Poxy to improve gloss retention and scratch resistance. “You get the same great look and performance as a two-part system in an easy one-step process,” Zabransky explains.

Faux wood finishes are another recent trend. New techniques allow an artist to match the patterns and warmth of real wood. “Not only is it easier to maintain than real teak,” Tripp Nelson says, “It is less expensive than teak and better for the environment.” Builders are using the technique on transoms, toe-rails even the mezzanine. “Next time you see a teak toe rail, take a closer look,” Nelson jokes.

Luckily, white topside paint is still vogue. “White is easier to maintain and repair than colors,” explains Nelson at Alexseal. This makes it easy to patch dings in the topside. “Whites and light pastels also do not absorb heat from exposure to the sun. Therefore the boat stays cooler when a lighter color is used.”

bow of a boat running on the ocean

Besty, an 87-foot Spencer, illustrates the translucent brilliance available in today’s sportfishing paints. The color used is ALEXSEAL Metallic Base Coat M9389 Anniversary Silver. Photo courtesy Alexseal Yacht Coatings

The Technology

Recently Alexseal developed a blending agent to make repairs easier. After making a repair and repainting, the painter has to buff out the edges to blend the new paint with the old. Blending agents reduce this step by melting the new paint into the old. “We know repairs are important so we want to make it as easy as possible,” Nelson says. They’ve even developed a quick-dry primer that allows the surface to be primed and painted in one day. Other advances are below the surface. “Improvements in solvents allow more solid content in the paint,” Nelson continues, “this makes it easier to apply the paint especially under less-than-ideal conditions.” It is also easier on the environment and the applicator with fewer emissions during the painting process.

Anzardo adds that Awlgrip has also developed products that make it possible to repair metallic finishes without losing the sparkly and swirly effect. “It’s tough to fix dings and scratches while still matching the metallic look,” he admits, “but these products allow owners to make repairs.”

Another improvement in the painting process is in the fairing stage. Today, builders are fairing the surface of the boat using trowlable epoxy fairing compounds. “They apply the compounds only where they need to be and not over the entire surface,” Nelson explains. That saves time and money. Another big savings is in weight. Alexseal’s new filler formulas weigh a lot less than other formulas. “It may not seem like much, but saving a pound per gallon adds up over the surface of the boat.”

The best news is that this technology and look is available for older boats, too. With proper preparation, most of the products can be painted directly over existing paint. Whatever the age of the vessel, it can look new and unique to the owner while being easier to maintain.

Anzardo at Awlgrip says that each boat is a unique project. “There is also an issue on how secure the old coating is,” he explains, “you do not want to build on something that is not in good shape.” Any defect in a deeper coat will telegraph into the new paint. Another consideration is that new paint can soften the old paint. “New coatings are such high gloss that the boat should be taken down to solid substrate.” New primers and fillers, however, may take a lot less time and effort.

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” laughs Anzardo, “but generally it is time to repaint when the gelcoat is faded, beat up or chalky.” He suggests owners follow every step of the system when repainting. “Sometimes you can get away with primer and spraying paint,” he admits, “but other times the boat requires surfacing primers, fillers, finish primer and then paint.”

At Alexseal, Nelson provides additional insight into how they can match the boat’s existing color or paint a new color or finish. “Most of the time just paint on a primer then a single coat of solid color or even a two-stage metallic finish.” With a little effort, the boat can be brought back to life.

paint mixing

Today’s technology allows the boat owner not only to create new, custom colors specific to their boat, but to name the colors as well. Photo courtesy of Alexseal Yacht Coatings

Bottom Paint

There are even big changes below the water line. Interlux is introducing new water-based paints that are easier to clean up and easy on the environment. “Water-based paints offer seasonal to multiple seasonal protection and they can be applied over existing antifouling paints, stainless steel and brass,” says Anzardo.

For multi-season protection for those tough fouling conditions, Interlux’s new Micron Optima line can be applied to most substrates and polishes to a smooth finish. A smooth face avoids build-up and improves efficiency. They even offer bottom paint in a variety of colors.

While barnacles, moss and other marine growth is nasty stuff, bottom paint used to be even nastier. Now companies are turning to alternative methods for protecting the boat. Pettit Paint has developed new paint formulas with lower volatile organic components (VOC) for a safer and easier application. “Our water-based paints contain less than 50 percent of the VOCs found in traditional paint, well below even strict environmental regulations,” explains Zabransky. Clean Core Technology contains less than half the VOCs of traditional bottom paint. “By 2020 we hope to convert over half the market to water-based paints.” While these new formulas are safer for the environment and the user, they are even more effective at preventing growth.

These new bottom paints are better looking, too. “Traditional biocide (the active ingredient in bottom paint) is a rust color making it harder to add pigments to the paint,”

Zabransky says. The new formula is white allowing Pettit to expand its color pattern. “We had one customer paint the pontoons on his boat to look like beer bottles,” Zabransky laughs.

New bottom paints also require new application processes. “The old adage was more is better,” says Zabransky. Old paint solutions have high VOCs that will flash off leaving less paint. New formulas have less solvent and should be applied in thinner coats. “Two thin coats are better than one thick coat,” Zabransky explains. He recommends a roller with 3/16-inch nap and applying paint under ideal humidity and temperature for the best results.

Now it is easier to take care of the paint job. Awlgrip and Alexseal offer special waxes and washes formulated for their paints to get the most out of the investment. This is news to the ears of crewmen around the world.

One of the toughest and most demanding jobs is maintaining brightwork. Pettit makes the job easier with their new EZ-Brightwork. “The new formula has the same great look as traditional varnish,” Zabransky admits, “but the waterbased formula has low VOCs and the applicator can apply two or three coats in one day without sanding between applications.” This makes it easier to keep teak, mahogany and other wood looking great.

a grey boat on the hard in a boat yard

The paint used in this photo is Awlcraft SE Stone Grey Metallic, a base coat/clear coat system. The boot stripes were done with Awlcraft 2000. Photo courtesy of Interlux Yacht Finishes

In Summary

The revolution in sportfishing paint formulation, application and technique is beautifying docks and marinas the world over. From bottom paints that are tougher on growth and easier on the environment, to the trends of faux teak and shimmering metallic finishes, the paint jobs of today are something to behold. “Like sitting around watching the paint dry,” has a whole new meaning.

Do you have any comments or questions for us? We’d love to hear from you.

Filed Under: Boats, Featured Stories, General News, Maintenance, News Tagged With: Alexseal, Awl Grip, Boat Paint, faux paint, Interlux, paint, pettit paint, Teak, varnish

Splash Report: Emeril Lagasse’s 70 Viking “Aldente” For Sale

May 14, 2019 By InTheBite Editor

Want to spice up your operation? BAM! You Can Own Emeril Lagasse’s 70-Foot Viking Yacht ‘Aldente’ For Under $4 Million. 

While the boat can put you on fish, we can’t promise it will improve your dinner making skills… but who knows.

Destin, Florida  (4/4/19): United Yacht Sales, the world’s largest professional yacht brokerage firm with more than 150 yacht brokers worldwide, is pleased to announce that ‘Aldente’ is now listed for sale with United Yacht Sales broker Captain Brad Benton. Aldente is owned by celebrity chef and philanthropist Emeril Lagasse.

Aldente is a beautiful example of a 70’ Viking Enclosed Bridge and has four spacious cabins, all of the fishing amenities you could ask for, high-gloss teak throughout the interior, and of course, an updated kitchen. Aldente is also equipped with a Seakeeper Gyro which stabilizes the yacht while at anchor or while trolling for big game and a Sea Recovery water-maker which turns saltwater into fresh, drinkable water.

Aldente is equipped with the upgraded MTU 16V 2000 M94 2,600 HP engines. She is listed for sale at $3,995,000.

For more questions about United Yacht Sales or this press release, please contact United Marketing Director Rob Bowman at (828) 242-9810.

Click HERE for ALDENTE 70’ Viking Enclosed Bridge LISTING

Filed Under: Featured Stories, General News, News, Splash Reports Tagged With: 70-Foot Viking, Aldente, boating, destin, Emeril Lagasse, enclosed sky bridge, engines, fishing, Florida, high gloss, InTheBite, listing, magazine, MTU, sale, sandestin, Seakeeper Gyro, Splash report, sportfish, sportfishing, Teak, Under $4 Million, united yachts, Viking Yachts, Yacht

Latest Launch: Winter Custom Yachts Hull 25

February 5, 2019 By InTheBite Editor

The latest launch for Winter Custom Yachts is a 46-foot walkaround. Hull no. 25 features a contoured deck that matches the sheer line offering 25 inches of freeboard from stem to stern. In the cockpit this boat features teak covering boards, decking, furniture and toe rail. The typical transom kill box has been plumbed for baitwell and insulated fish box. An in-deck fish box offers fish storage when using the transom bait well. The large helm station offers room for two 19” displays and accompanying equipment. The teak helm pod houses the palm beach controls with integrated bow thruster controls. The interior has a large galley, Subzero refrigeration, and abundant storage throughout. Twin bunks forward offer sleeping arrangements for overnight trips. The boat’s twin Caterpillar C12.9 1,000 horse power engines will push the boat to a cruise speed of 34 knots and a top end of 42 knots. Power generation is supplied from a single 17kW Northern Lights generator to the vessel’s systems including water maker, ice machine, refrigeration, and Seakeeper Gyro.

SPECIFICATIONS:

LOA: 46’1”

Beam: 14’11”

Draft: 38”

Fuel: 850 gal.

Water: 150 gal.

Weight fully loaded: 35,000 lb

Filed Under: Featured Stories, General News, News, Splash Reports Tagged With: billfishing, custom boat, furnish, hull 25, InTheBite, magazine, New, Northern Lights, Seakeeper, specifications, Splash report, sportfish, sportfishing, subzero fridge, Teak, walkaround, winter custom yachts

Sanding Teak- The Basics

March 9, 2015 By InTheBite Editor

grayed-teakSANDING TEAK The Basics

By Piet Van Alder(from the archives)

I often hear people referring to teak decks and coveringboards as a maintenance nightmare, [Read more…]

Filed Under: Featured Stories Tagged With: Sanding Teak, Teak

Connect With InTheBite

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up for the InTheBite Newsletter


Be the first to hear about the latest Sportfishing News, Products, and Services!

Subscribe to InTheBite Magazine Today!

InTheBite Magazine Current Cover

Our latest issue is hitting the docks now! Be sure to subscribe to the hottest bluewater mag on the market. Purchase or Subscribe »

Upcoming Tournaments

Wed 21

Hawk’s Nest White Marlin Shootout

April 18 - April 21
Wed 21

Ed Dwyer’s Otherside Invitational

April 21 - April 25
Thu 22

Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament

April 22 - April 25
Wed 28

The Shootout: Production vs. Custom

April 28 - May 1
Sat 01

MONGO Offshore Challenge

May 1 - September 30

View More…

InTheBite Champion’s Cup

InTheBite Champions Cup Logo

New for 2021, the Champion’s Cup is an optional paid entry with a winner-takes-all prize format for teams who want to up the stakes in each division utilizing our longstanding tournament scoring formula.

Captain of the Year Cup Standings

Captain of the Year Cup Standings Logo

View the current standings for InTheBite's Captain of the Year Cup... Leaderboard »

News

  • The Evolution of the Captain of the Year—The Championship of Sportfishing

    The Evolution of the Captain of the Year—The Championship of Sportfishing

    The InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup is the championship of sportfishing. The Cup is the world’s only quantifiable way to recognize the tournament success of professional sportfishermen. Comprised of 90-sanctioned events that span the world, there is nothing else like it. Winning an InTheBite Captain of the Year Award is a major achievement. From the winners to the Cup’s... [Read More...]

  • Fish Mapping: Now Available on Simrad & Furuno

    Fish Mapping: Now Available on Simrad & Furuno

    SiriusXM Marine’s Fish Mapping service is now available on Simrad and Furuno displays!  Whether you’re competing in a tournament, out fishing for fun, or taking clients on a charter trip, Fish Mapping provides the information you need to help get you to the spots where fish are most likely to be located, saving you time and fuel.  In addition to all... [Read More...]

  • Champion's Cup & COTY Updates

    Champion's Cup & COTY Updates

    Champion's Cup Update April 19, 2021 Team Lunatico's 63' Titan Effie Mae is moving up in the ranks for both the Champion's Cup and Captain of the Year with their first place win during this weekend's White Marlin Roundup. The win awarded them a full 500 points putting them neck and neck with Uno Mas within the Champion's Cup International Division... [Read More...]

  • New Texas State Record Bluefin Tuna Weighing 876 Pounds

    New Texas State Record Bluefin Tuna Weighing 876 Pounds

    Friday, April 16, 2021, Thomas J. Hilton, www.HiltonsOffshore.com—A week ago last year in early April 2020, 4 Texas boats with Hilton's subscribers aboard each landed a bluefin tuna weighing between 599 pounds to 820 pounds (new Texas state record). They were landed off of surface structures shown on www.HiltonsOffshore.com. Sea surface water temperature is critical this time of year, with fish... [Read More...]

  • NavNet TZtouch from Furuno

    NavNet TZtouch from Furuno

    If you missed the Palm Beach International Boat Show or didn't make it by the Furuno tent then check out the video below to see what was on display and to learn a little more about the Furuno products. Braden Shoemaker, Furuno SE Regional Manager, breaks down the different NavNet TZtouch systems and what they can offer on your next... [Read More...]

Search InTheBite

Copyright © 2021 InTheBite, LLC · All Rights Reserved.