fading color

[mctristar]

hey guys,
i have read numerous threads about paint on here.
i have a few questions though.
my boat is an 86 tristar. it has a couple dings in the fiberglass on the top side stern where someone had used the wrong stern tie downs. so i would like to repair it. i read that i can tape off the area, sand with 180, and then apply gel coat and the sand n buff.
will this method work ok???

also the blue stripe on the side of the boat is in need of some HELP. its scratched up and faded. what would be the best method in fixing this? gel coat, paint, or a piece of wrap?

[j.mccreight@hotmail.com]

You will need to check with your state regulations for the registration numbers laws as to where they are located and the size of numbers. Tx requires 3" min size and must be on forward 1/3 on bow of boat and must be a contrasting color of main hull color.

[j.mccreight@hotmail.com]

From california dmv

What Are the Regulations for the Vessel Registration Number?

The vessel registration number (CF number) issued by the department must be displayed as follows:

Painted on or permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel.

Be in plain vertical block characters of not less than three inches in height.

Be arranged so that it it reads from left to right.

Contrast with the color of the background so that it is distinctly visible and legible.

Have spaces or hyphens that are equal to the width of a letter other than "I" or a number other than "1" between the prefix and the number, and the number and the suffix. See the example below.

Example: CF 1234 AB

[mctristar]

wow thanks for that.

how about the paint question now lol

[j.mccreight@hotmail.com]

Im not a paint and body man, I would read the threads about sanding and buffing as to what products work the best. Now you got mechanical questions I might me able to help. lol

[zsqure]

On the Great Lakes there are "registered" vessels which do not have registration numbers on the outside of the hull (my father's last boat was that way). I believe there is a rule about the LOA of your vessel. It could be an Ohio thing.

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by j.mccreight@hotmail.com

From california dmv

What Are the Regulations for the Vessel Registration Number?

The vessel registration number (CF number) issued by the department must be displayed as follows:

Painted on or permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel.

Be in plain vertical block characters of not less than three inches in height.

Be arranged so that it it reads from left to right.

Contrast with the color of the background so that it is distinctly visible and legible.

Have spaces or hyphens that are equal to the width of a letter other than "I" or a number other than "1" between the prefix and the number, and the number and the suffix. See the example below.

Example: CF 1234 AB

This is spot on. They should be moved further forward towards the bow. As for bringing the color back, I'd also recommend searching on here for wetsanding. Great looking boat! I've always been interested in that layout configuration.

[mctristar]

thank you.
i have done some searching, but since mine has scratches in the paint i was figuring it would need repainted.

[mctristar]

so if i decide to repaint or re gel coat the blue, do i have to sand it all the way down where there is no blue left? or can i sand the surface to scuff it up and then lay the new coat down?

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by mctristar

so if i decide to repaint or re gel coat the blue, do i have to sand it all the way down where there is no blue left? or can i sand the surface to scuff it up and then lay the new coat down?

You can try to match up the gel coat and blend and keep the blue. Lot's of sources for gel coat. Nice thing about gel coat is that it cures in the same color as wet....so you can mix test and mix until you match color and then add the hardener...

Then you can fix just what's needed. The remaining the gel can be refinished...there are many threads here showing and describing the process and supplies needed.

Are you considering ever adding a real windshield?