FINALLY ceramic coated!!

[Brian98133]

I know there has been some debate as to whether or not it's worth spending the money to get our boats ceramic-coated, so do your own due diligence to determine what's best for you.

However, for those on-the-fence, please see the photo of our R-23 after getting it ceramic coated by Kevin at Premier Custom Ceramic Coating. I wish I had a 'before' picture that was taken in the same spot in the same weather conditions... but I don't. But you can see (hopefully) the deep color - the reflection - and even (barely noticeable in the picture) the mirror-quality topside white. There is a tactile difference also, as you run your hand along the surface. Slick as "..."!

I am not affiliated in any way with Kevin or Premier Custom Ceramic Coating, nor any of the products he uses... but I wanted to give a HUGE Thank You, @Kevinandcarol , for spending so much time on our baby! In my limited experience, the prep work makes or breaks the end product - as well as the longevity of the protection - so I am grateful Kevin put so much time and work into correcting every little thing he found so the end product looks as stellar as it does!

Money well spent, IMO... and money SAVED in the long run! I've spent many, many thousands on hiring 'detailers' over the years - so I know that this initial investment is WELL worth it!!

Highly recommended!

 

[Chimo]

Looks absolutely great. Could be a new boat. It will be interesting to see the boat in 2-3 years to compare with Awlgrip or film. That’s the real test.

 

[HookedUp]

Really looks good. Looking forward to hearing how it performs.

 

[McTuggy]

Just bought my 2009 Ranger 25 and the previous owner had the ceramic coat applied already. It looks like new. A feller came up to my boat yesterday and thought it was a new boat.... says it all. Your Ranger looks great!

 

[SLyle01]

Wow....So no need for antifouling Hull paint? Is ceramic more resistant to scratches/scrapes? Cost of coating repairs if scraped? Estim. initial cost (per foot)? Thanks.

 

[jihuang]

I am considering do that for my R23 soon, mind tell me how much it cost and how long it take to do it? Thanks

 

[CaptT]

Please let us know how long the shine lasts. In Florida mine lasted less than 4 months. The Florida hot sun does improve people's mood but doesn't help much with the finish on a boat.
Hopefully the new inside storage helps!

 

[dbsea]

looks great! i'm excited for mine to get done whenever scheduling and weather permit 🙂

 

[Trisailor]

My DIY ceramic coating job is holding up well here in the so cal sunshine. At the 5 month mark the eyebrows starting showing some fading. A quick wash and re-application of more ceramic restored the color to the post buffing shine. I highly recommend the ceramic. Mine is holding the shine and color well and compares favorably to the new awlgrip paint job on a boat just down the dock. Mine ended up being a DIY project due to the fact I couldn't find a dealer to do it here in San Diego.

 

[baz]

Hmmmmmm........ where's the bottom paint, or was that also coated ?

 

[Firepara36]

Don't think I have ever seen a boat without out jacks supports all the way around.

 

[GypsyMoth]

Wow....So no need for antifouling Hull paint? Is ceramic more resistant to scratches/scrapes? Cost of coating repairs if scraped? Estim. initial cost (per foot)? Thanks.

If you keep your boat in the water you will still need antifouling paint on the bottom, and probably don't want the ceramic coating below the water line...

 

[Kevinandcarol]

The bottom was ceramic coated, also take a drive around Dagmar's Landing, all the boats sit like this, they sit on a v bracket at the stern and blocked in the front. It's a dry storage yard.

 

[Jomichele]

I know there has been some debate as to whether or not it's worth spending the money to get our boats ceramic-coated, so do your own due diligence to determine what's best for you.

However, for those on-the-fence, please see the photo of our R-23 after getting it ceramic coated by Kevin at Premier Custom Ceramic Coating. I wish I had a 'before' picture that was taken in the same spot in the same weather conditions... but I don't. But you can see (hopefully) the deep color - the reflection - and even (barely noticeable in the picture) the mirror-quality topside white. There is a tactile difference also, as you run your hand along the surface. Slick as "..."!

I am not affiliated in any way with Kevin or Premier Custom Ceramic Coating, nor any of the products he uses... but I wanted to give a HUGE Thank You, @Kevinandcarol , for spending so much time on our baby! In my limited experience, the prep work makes or breaks the end product - as well as the longevity of the protection - so I am grateful Kevin put so much time and work into correcting every little thing he found so the end product looks as stellar as it does!

Money well spent, IMO... and money SAVED in the long run! I've spent many, many thousands on hiring 'detailers' over the years - so I know that this initial investment is WELL worth it!!

Highly recommended!

Like many others, I'm really eager to hear how you handle the maintenance and how it holds up over time. I watched your youtube video on this topic and have a few questions. Kevin mentioned the importance of reapplying the spray-on 'restoring' ceramic product. Doing this above the waterline sounds pretty easy, but what is the environmental impact when overspray hits the water? Also, how many times a year will you need to haul the boat out to restore the hull that sits below the water? I'm very excited for you and look forward to hearing your updates.

 

[Brian98133]

Like many others, I'm really eager to hear how you handle the maintenance and how it holds up over time. I watched your youtube video on this topic and have a few questions. Kevin mentioned the importance of reapplying the spray-on 'restoring' ceramic product. Doing this above the waterline sounds pretty easy, but what is the environmental impact when overspray hits the water? Also, how many times a year will you need to haul the boat out to restore the hull that sits below the water? I'm very excited for you and look forward to hearing your updates.

It's been just over 2 years now, and I can honestly say that Kevin's ceramic coating has held up as promised! There is only the slightest degradation (if one can call it that) in the hydrophobic properties of the ceramic to date, and I expected that. Nothing lasts forever. But even slightly diminished, she still sheds water better than any high-end wax/polish I've ever used.

I've kept up on the easy-to-apply serum about every 6 months, but might up it to every 3 months, just so the ceramic lasts as long as it possibly can.

I'll have to defer to Kevin regarding any environmental issues with applying serum above the waterline whilst in the water. I keep mine as pictured, on the hard - dry storage.

At this 2-year point, I figured I have 'just broken even' on my investment based on my own history of hiring a detailer once per year to do a complete polish/wax. From this point forward, it's all 'money in the bank'. Based on how it's performing today, I expect that I'll get a minimum of 2 more years before calling Kevin and hoping he hasn't retired! :mrgreen: I wouldn't be surprised if it were 3 or 4 years tho... 😀

There is absolutely zero doubt in my mind that I will invest in another coating of ceramic when it's time!