Several months ago, I looked at my houseboat and felt it was time for a color and striping change. I spent a lot of time researching the various choices available. Do I hire it out, or pay someone to do it. If I do it myself, what is involved. If I hire it out, how do I find a reputable person to do it. After much thought I decided to do it myself, besides it would make a good article.

During my research, I found one or two people in the area that paint houseboats as either their full time job, or "on the side" The quotes I got were about $1000 for painting and $1000 for striping. The more I talked with people about the various paints, and methods, the more confident I felt that I could do this project myself.

Houseboat Paint

After sanding the boat, I washed it down with soap and water. Before painting, I preped the surface with Interlux fiberglass solvent. It took about 1-2 quarts of solvent to prep the boat, and use for cleanup. Be sure to have plenty of rags for clean up and wiping.

Now she was ready for the paint. I chose to use a one part polyurethane enamel, which was purchased at West Marine. I bought 2 gallons (my boat is a 1990 Jamestowner 14x60 widebody). There are as many opinions for what paint to use, and how to apply it, as there are fish in the lake. Your best bet is to do your research, and pick the paint that suites your needs. I chose a one part polyurethane for many reasons: It appeared to be the easiest to apply. There are two part paints that use a catalyst or hardener, which you need to mix in at the right ratio. With one part, all you do is stir and apply. The one part can also be brushed or rolled, and has pretty good durability. It is also fairly reasonable price wise. I called many different places (automotive paint stores, marinas, etc) The prices were as high as $190 per gallon. I paid $59 per gallon.

Before applying the second coat, I wiped down the entire boat with a tack cloth to get any dust or dirt off the first coating. The second coat is applied just as the first coat again, paying special attention to any runs and streaks. The second coat went on more quickly, I figure it took about 3 hours to complete.

Overall I am very satisfied with the look of the paint. It gives a near showroom finish. Now she is ready for stripes, should I use vinyl stipes or paint, and can I do it myself....more decisions. I will keep you posted.

Edit:
The stripes were added to the boat.  I used a 1/4" tape to get the outline of the stripes I wanted. You can move this tape around until you get it where you want it.  One trick for doing curves, is to have another person move behind you as you move the tape into position.  Hold the tape about 6" from where you are going to place it on the cabin.  Then as you move along the cabin, creating your arch/curve, etc.  Have the person behind you press it to the cabin.  It may take some practice, but as you move in tandem with your helper, you can create some great curves, etc. Once your have your 1/4" outline, go back over it with a 1" or wider tape help eliminate going outside the lines with paint.

I used an Imron (2 part) paint.  It requires a hardener. The results were good, and the paint will hold up a long time.

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