Clear coat gel

[JACOB11379]

You buy a new boat. in this cause a Paragon(in case that matters), do you do anything to the paint?

I have a guy that does cleanings, gel coats, etc....

His recommendation was a Gel Coat and specifically mentioned a Graphene coat as well as a conditioner on the upholstery....

I know squat about this stuff, assumed boat came with gel coat from factory.....

ANy feedback appreciated...

[bird_dog0347]

The Graphene is a Ceramic coat, kinda like a wax but lasts much much longer and is very hydrophobic, not sure what conditioner he recommends on the upholstery though. When my P23 arrives I plan to bring it home and ceramic coat it myself before we take it to the slip, I'll use the same CQ.UK 3.0 that I used on my truck as it was inexpensive and works great.

[JACOB11379]

Thanks Bird Dog thats what i needed to know.

By the way, Where/What is DFW?

[bird_dog0347]

Post edited to remove unnecessary quote. See Quote Guidelines here.

Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas

[bturner]

Ceramics are the latest in detailing coatings. Do they work.... "the science" (this term is way over used these days) would certainly suggest so. Are they a wonder coating that will protect your gel coat from scratches, chips and submerged objects? The science says no. Using a high quality wax like Collinite would probably achieve similar results depending on your maintenance schedule for detailing with the biggest difference being how often you'll need to re-coat. A wax like Collinite will need to be at a minimum reapplied seasonally where as a high quality, professionally applied Ceramic coating can last 18 to 24 months even in harsh environments and up to 3 years in shorter season areas. The difference in Ceramic coatings is typically the percentage of silica dioxide with professional brands containing up to 90%. The quality and performance of these product varies greatly with the highest performing brands being those that require or recommend professional application which includes a "primer" coat to ensure proper adhesion of the product. Going to the other extreme even Turtle Was has a ceramic wax these days and it comes in a spray no less. Even with this toughness your detailer is probably going to recommend inspections and touch ups at least seasonally.

On a boat the size of a Paragon, with a demographic which isn't typically interested in doing the physical and time consuming maintenance of waxing a large boat, a professionally applied ceramic would certainly be a very attractive solution. This is especially so if cost is not a factor in the decision making process.

As far as the vinyl goes, I have yet seen anyone recommend a better product or bad mouth 303 Protectant but then again it's not made from the latest science or tail of yak or whatever. That and most vinyl and marine fabric manufactures recommend it. Also the interior is something that is going to need near constant attention so unless you have a detailing crew on call this is something you're going to need to apply or touch up on nearly every outing, at least that's where I find myself.

[JACOB11379]

Ive been reading and youtubing ceramic coating for the last couple hours. Certainly gonna need to have it done every few years and your right its more work then i want to do myself...

303 Protectant....Ill start researching this product and how to use it thanks so much

[99bison]

Imho, If your going to keep it more than five years go ahead, otherwise just clean it regularly and move on