Canvas Colors

[Lake Erie Boater]

I am replacing all my canvas over the winter and need to finalize what color to use.

The current color is heather beige. My original desire was to go with black as the other amberjacks I have seen with black really stand out. However after reading several posts here, I have decided to put practicality over good looks.

I am now down to using the same heather beige, or go to a taupe color which is just a bit darker.

I am looking for opinions as follows.

1. Does a non OEM color effect resale value/marketability of the boat?

2. Does anyone have, or seen a Sea Ray with its typical hull color/striping for 2001 models with Taupe canvas. If so, what was your opinion?

3. Any other thoughts?

 

[sbw1]

I think your current color looks great and is not nearly as hot as black or other dark colors. Sea gull poop would be the most practical color, but yours is tastefully done and will not effect your resale value as long as it's in good condition.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Went with the fashionable choice on our last boat - Royal Blue Sunbrella Fabric. It looked rich!

All was well until the first heat wave. That rich dark blue hue became a microwave oven when the sun started to beat down on it. Even taking the fabric off when getting to the boat was HOT HOT HOT work. :smt013

Next time - I'll even consider white "stamoid" (although I hear that it can cause moisture/mold problems since it does not breathe at all.

My current boat has the same colour as yours, but the aft roof section has been extended about 4' and then drops to the transom with mostly clear panels. Very few leaks, lots of visibility, lots of space when the top is up, and more shade on those sunny/hot days. The only drawback may be lack of aft-visibility from the helm while underway. Not anywhere near as hot as the royal blue!:grin:

By the way... That is ONE FINE LOOKING BOAT!:thumbsup:

 

[Nehalennia]

When I re-do mine, I'm using the newer Capt Navy color. I like the dark contrast and think it looks sharp. I'm a Blue fan and my color now is mediteranean blue. It's ok, but I like the darker navy.

Your boat would look good with the black or Navy. The Heather I'm sure is cooler on the hot days, but, I can't imagine it's that big of a deal.

 

[Lake Erie Boater]

Thanks for the responses guys, but reading them, my post is a bit confusing.

I have decided not to go with the dark colors. It will either be Heather beige or Taupe (both of which are quite light).

Most all of us have bought our boats used. Once we decided on a certain model/size etc, we all then compared several of the same before making the purchase. Did the color of the canvas figure in the equation? Did the fact that the canvas was not Sea Ray's OEM color count for/against the purchase when comparing other boats for sale?

Personally I prefer the the taupe, and plan on keeping her for a long time. But canvas also stays on the boat for a long time so I don't want to make the boat "less-sellable" by going to a non-OEM color if that's the perception.

I think there are a couple of dealer/brokers on the board and would like to hear their thoughts as well.

Thoughts??

 

[sbw1]

It won't be less sellblable. Both of your choices are good ones and the boat is very good looking.

 

[fwebster]

The sales manager at our Sea Ray dealership says canvas color does affect the boat's value.

If you get way out there on your color choice, it may not affect the retail value of the as much as affects the demand or how fast the boat will sell and what a dealer will offer you on a trade-in. As long as you stay with the original color/fabric or select a color/fabric that is or was offered on later model boats similar to yours, it shouldn't have any affect.

Things to avoid are Stamoid and solid white Sunbrella as both are nightmares for maintenance. Black shows a lot and fades but white doesn't fade and shows even more. Stamod was never offered on Sea Rays and in warm, moist conditions in closed up cockpit, you will have a mildew problem.

 

[sbw1]

Things to avoid .......solid white Sunbrella as...... nightmares for maintenance. Black shows a lot and fades but white doesn't fade and shows even more.

Actually the white sunbrella wears very well. I'm in my 5th season and it still looks like new. I just throw it in a commercial washer with Tide and a little beach after our pollen season is over and it comes out looking fresh and stays that way until mid October. It is rinsed once a week with fresh water and spot cleaned when a gull gets it. The darker canvases we had on other boats were hot and required more cleaning.

 

[jamesgang]

I recently purchased replacement tops in "linen tweed" (which is a taupe-like color and the original canvas color on my 1998 Sea Ray 290DA) from Great Lakes Boat Tops. Got them in the other day and am well pleased with them, exactly like the originals.