Blue Hull Maintenance

S

Sundancer1344

New Member
Dec 28, 2010
13
Maryland
Boat Info
sundancer 38
Engines
8.1 mercruisers
:smt100​
Hello
I am in the process of making a decesion on buying a 2007 Sundancer 38, one is a blue hull the other Pewter. I really perfer the look of the Blue hull, however I've heard that the Blue hull Keeping it looking new requires high maintance. Any comments from Sea Ray Blue hull owners would be much appreciated!! Thank you.
Happy Holidays
TC
 
Just bought one myself, would like to know also.

Mike
 
Give it a good polish once a season and keep it washed down after boating and it should keep looking great. Unfortuantely, mooring bumps don't help retain its looks but then that applies to most hulls really. It's just that the dark hull tends to show the sratches a little more than a white hull. I've got a couple 'nasty's' in my hull that were there before my time but overall I like the blue hull. I think it looks a little special (or different) if you like. It also keeps me on my toes when berthing to make sure I get it right!!:grin:


Terry
 
Yes, it is going to take more of your time to keep it looking good, first hand experience here….. But when all is said and done I think it is worth it.



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hack4alivin said:
Yes, it is going to take more of your time to keep it looking good, first hand experience here….. But when all is said and done I think it is worth it.



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Bill, you missed a spot....
 
Definitely worth it. Just did the entire blue area of my boat in about 1/3 as long as last year, and 1/10 as long as the first year.

NEVER EVER EVER:
Use a bare fender - keep nice covers on your fenders.
Allow anything to rub against the hull unprotected - dinghy...
Dock against barnacles, oysters, cleats, or anything else that you didn't bring to protect your boat.
Trust anyone else to protect the hull of your boat - Be polite, but do it yourself.

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After wash & rinse we rinse again using soft water using garden sprayer. Get all I need from a home de-humidifier. Yea, more work for keeps blue hull almost spotless.
 
A blue hull will definitely keep you honest when it comes to care. You can say your a fanatic all you want. Your blue hull will tell the truth. They are sharp though.
 
We have an 2006 38 DA with the blue hull and we love it. Like anything else you need to make sure you put the time in to keep it looking good. We get many positive comments on the water from other boaters. Good luck with your decision.
 
Our black hull boat is admired @ every stop - it draws attention and it always look great, if you keep it clean, waxed, etc. I don't "get" the difference in maintenance compared to white hulls. I mean, if I had 1, I don't think I'd put any less time into it. The assumption is that I'd also want my white hull to be as pristine as possible. GO for the blue hull and enjoy it!!!
 
ziekman@cox.net said:
Our black hull boat is admired @ every stop - it draws attention and it always look great, if you keep it clean, waxed, etc. I don't "get" the difference in maintenance compared to white hulls. I mean, if I had 1, I don't think I'd put any less time into it. The assumption is that I'd also want my white hull to be as pristine as possible. GO for the blue hull and enjoy it!!!
Click to expand...

The difference is that little scratches look white on blue, black, red, and white gel. Little white scratches don't show up on white, but they do on the others. On white, they will dull it a little, but without a spot light and close up inspection, they go un-noticed. Additionally, almost anyone can patch a white gouge, but the colored ones can be a challenge to an expert.

The blue, specifically, not only has color but it also has depth. It is translucent, so, the consistency is as important as the color. Additionally, the thickness affects the overall appearance in the sunlight.

All of that being said, I agree - I would take just as much care of the white as I do the blue.
 
All great advice so far. I was a little apprehensive at first but it really has not been too bad. I will second the fender socks, that is the best advice I got. Sometimes my dock mates make fun of me for insisting to use my fenders when tying up but it really makes a difference. You need to keep the socks clean though. A tip too, don't waste your time with the cheap West Marine Socks just get the nice Taylor Made ones the first time.

My biggest challenge was keeping water spots off. I have been able to help minimize those by installing a water filter at my slip.

I would say that if you keep it waxed it will be fine. A colored hull is not for a boater that will tend to let it go without wax and proper care. It will show neglect before a white hull would.

I think the dark hulls are really sharp and I get a lot of compliments. I really like the Blue and am partial to the Cinnabar too but I have not seen many of those. The 2 most popular colors based on boats I have seen on the water and in the market are Blue and Black with Pewter right behind them. Cinnabar on cruisers seems to be rare and Green even more so.

I have a Friend with a Blue 08 38DA and it is beautiful.

Jason
 
Our blue hull shows everything, especially in salt water. Tough to keep clean and looking good, but when it is it looks great. If you don't mind the extra work get the blue hull.
 
My blue hull always looks great BUT I dry stack and that gives me the opportunity to wipe it down after each outing with Griot's Speed Shine and microfiber towels. Twice a year I polish it with Shurhold Pro Polish. If you're not up to that level of maintenance, you'll have to put up with water spots and scum lines.

Dennis
 
White looks good too and is easier... no question about it. I think everything's been covered and some good points made here about gelcoat care and maintenance regarding colors.
Keep in mind that if you don't want to or don't have time... don't do it. It's not for everyone.
I really enjoy working on, and detailing my boat so for me the extra time giving it tlc is a bonus. I love it when, dockside, pretty well every person tells me how good it looks. If they ask if it's more work the answer is "yes of course but look at it"... for me it's well worth the effort.
A relative was looking at 47 DBs and decided to get a black one after spending a bit of time around mine.
I say go for it.

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We had a peweter 260 and it was pretty easy to care for....not like white but almost.....and a classy look IMO.

Blue is like a black car......looks great when clean and well cared for. Apparently the blue hull boat owners I come across aren't as diligent as some here.....most I see look rough but I'm seeing them in the midst of trips where maybe their owners hadn't had the chance to make them sparkle (salt spray?).

Best of luck with your choice....it's all good.
 
Get the blue. IMO its worth it. Who doesn't like spending time with there boat?

Once you get it perfect..as Hampton said it is not that hard to maintain it. The key is to just keep up on it.

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