Dark color hulls?

[fsts2k]

Does anyone have experience with dark color hulls (black, dark blue)? I have heard that a dark color hull requires a wipe down after each use or water spots will appear faster than a light colored hull. is this true? Any thoughts on color? Thanks for the assistance.

[TwinTip]

I think dark hull colors look great but you will definitely have to put more work into keeping them clean. Not only are water spots more noticeable but so are scratches. Even if you don't scratch the boat above the waterline, you will still scratch it when you load it on the trailer (because of the bunks).

There are many owners on this site that have dark hull colors. I'm sure they will be able to give you specific information. I prefer silver cloud on the bottom hull.

[NautiqueJeff]

I have a black hull, and I love it. I usually wipe it down after each use, but that's mostly to remove the water line dirt so that the boat is clean. Water spots, surprisingly enough, haven't been a problem for me. I think that for the added looks, the extra maintenance isn't all that bad. I have been careful with mine, and after two years of use, I still don't have any scratches except for where the hull sits on the bunks of the trailer. My next Nautique will have another black hull.

[redelf75]

I'll second Jeff's comments. I hit a piece of wood on the bottom of the hull and it left quite the mark. Fortunately, it was below waterline but buffed right off anyway. I also wipe down the boat often - not every use. I use 303 on the hull - everybody swares by it. Black is hot!

[cdm]

You should wipe down your boat regardless of the hull color. Yes, waterspots and scratches do show up better on colored/ black hulls but all hulls get scum lines. I wipe my boat down after every use. I usually throw a towel to one the of wake whores, they know there job!!

[JJ]

I just turned in my 04 promo, black hull Yellow secondary stripe. I just ordered my 05 Black hull, Crush secondary stripe. I too hit a log at a tourny, but it came out. I did have to do some sanding, then polished it back to new.

I do wipe the boat down after every use. The black hull is like a black car, the more you polish it, the better it looks. My advice is that if you do take the time to maintain your getlcoat with proper cleaning and UV protection, You will love the darker hull. If you are someone that wants low or no maintenance, stick with the silvercloud hull.

my .02

[mike-d]

solid colored hulls

I usually wipe down my boat after each use, I get it buffed out and waxed at the end of the season, Jan.
Mike

[fsts2k]

Thanks

Thanks for the replies. The boat will be stored at a lake house with a dock that has a hanging deck. I take great care of my possessions but I am worried that with the boat hanging it will not be as easy to wipe it down as it would be on a trailer. Is this concern valid? I have never owned a boat before, nor had a lake house so this is a new thing for me. I am looking at a black hull 226 with silver strip and white deck, dark blue hull with white strip and blue deck (2003), and a light blue hull with silver strip and white deck.