Hull color

[Air-cooled]

I have a C24 on order and picked the Laurene Green as my color. Now I've had two friends with boats telling me that any color other than white will be a mistake, that a colored hull will show scratches horribly. What do you guys think?

 

[BradOwens]

A darker hull will show scratches more than a white hull, but in my opinion looks nicer too. It just takes a little care and a bit more frequent waxing to keep it looking ship shape and Bristol fashion. We have the dark blue hull, but I think the Laurene green looks great.

 

[Cessna172]

You know, that's a real tough one...

Agree, the darker colors look awesome (pretty tired of seeing all white : /). My 2017 C28 with the mid-night blue hull has been in the water 3 times; and yes, there are a number of visible scratches on the bow. Here's how I look at it - the hull of a boat is like a golf club. It's meant to come into contact with things. It cannot always retain a pristine appearance, but we do the best we can. Polish, wax, and occasional touch-up paint and enjoy the view from 20 feet!

I don't think I'd let the possibility of scratches on the hull color stop me from enjoying the color I want. If wear and tear were an issue my wife would have sank me years ago!

 

[tlkenyon]

Our 25sc has a Claret Red hull. I consider the scratches to be (red) badges of courage showing that we actually use the boat...unlike some who worry so much about the inevitable wear and tear that they never leave the marina. The larger scratches each have a story....
TK

 

[greeninbetween]

I have to agree that a red, blue or green hull is a fine thing. When I had a dark green cruising sailboat, I would use green pigmented wax each spring, and the scratches pretty much disappeared for the entire season. Deeper and wider scratches required some careful touch-up with a fine brush. I have noticed that the gelcoat colors fade faster than painted colors- my green boat was painted with automotive acrylic enamel with brightener and hardener added, and is still looking good twenty-some years later. It also responds well to polishing and waxing. Get a white boat and paint it years down the line for a fresh new look. My R21-EC is dark blue- love it!

 

[Air-cooled]

OK, great responses...I will not change to a white hull. Will stay with Laurene Green and deal with the scratches.

 

[jld]

I'm a white hull guy, but I think its due to the fact that sailboat hulls seem to only come in white! :lol:

Laurene Green is probably my favorite of the Ranger/Cutwater hull colors. I like the light colors as they are not prone to fading as much as the darker colors.

Enjoy your new boat, I think you made a great choice! 😎

Jim

 

[knotflying]

Laurene Green owner here, No problem with the color. We bought it new in 2011. It shows minimal scratching and salt with minimal fading. We use the boat 12 months a year, four months in Rhode Island and 8 months in Florida. I cover it with a white tarp when on the trailer. I wax it and buff it at least twice per year and sometimes three times.
I do not think you will regret the choice of color.