Change of Scenery

EuroSpec27

EuroSpec27

New Member
Jun 8, 2010
22
Long Beach Island, NJ
Boat Info
240 Sundeck
Engines
5.7L w/ Bravo III
I've had my 2001 Sundeck for just over 6 years now and I think it's time to change up the scenery. I've been toying around with the idea of removing all the (sun-faded) graphics, tinting the windows, and changing the canvas (and bimini) from blue to black.


Before:


After:


I love how sleek and simple she looks, and in my opinion, the clean look highlights the lines of the boat more. Plus, it reminds me of my neighbors 60' Viking yacht! My only concern is that the outline from the old graphics will leave a "ghosting" on the fiberglass that will be nearly impossible to buff out.

What do you guys think? Comments and criticism are greatly encouraged :thumbsup:
 
I did the monocock look for a couple of years. It is a look.

Be be careful of the tint if you boat at night. Tough to see through.
 
No worries, I'll have my registration numbers on there, I just wanted a super-clean look to get the best idea. Oh, and I rarely take her out at night, so the tint shouldn't be an issue with visibility.
 
I like it. Gives it a more modern look. I agree about the tint...don't go too dark.
 
I like it, only thing I would do is put a boot stripe on it - maybe match what ever canvas you put on it. Otherwise like the clean look. I recently removed the pinstriping from my 185, it was getting cracked and faded, the plan was to replace it, but I think I like it better without now.
 
BillK2632 said:
I like it, only thing I would do is put a boot stripe on it - maybe match what ever canvas you put on it. Otherwise like the clean look. I recently removed the pinstriping from my 185, it was getting cracked and faded, the plan was to replace it, but I think I like it better without now.
Click to expand...

How was the removal process? Did you do it with the boat in the water or on dry land? Also, I see that your 185 is almost as old as my 240, was there any "ghosting" left behind from the graphics after they were removed? If so, did they buff out with some compound and an orbital?
 
I removed my graphics and buffed out the fading. Presta is the only way to go.
Fading returned thru neglect on my part - but needs a good buff again going on two years plus with no graphics.

I love the simple look and nobody has "noticed" a change.
 
How was the removal process? Did you do it with the boat in the water or on dry land? Also, I see that your 185 is almost as old as my 240, was there any "ghosting" left behind from the graphics after they were removed? If so, did they buff out with some compound and an orbital?
Click to expand...

I bought an eraser wheel that attaches to a drill, it made quick work of removing the stripe. Did it with the boat on a rack, but don't see doing in the water would be that much harder. I then polished with Buff Magic and waxed - I used an orbital buffer - I would say it removed 95% of the ghosting, you have to look to see it. I think a second buffing would remove it all. My boat has been stored inside or under cover it's whole life, so not a lot of fading in the gelcoat.
 
I'm going to take a stab at removing the graphics this upcoming weekend and see how it goes. I'll start with the smaller ones on the bow so I can get to them with a buffer easily and if it goes well, I'll devise a plan to tackle the stern.
 
Really like the sundecks, but never been a fan of the graphics, especially the early 2000's era. Definitely think it will look better without.
 
Agreed. This is literally something I've wanted to do since I took ownership of the boat, but just never got around to pulling the trigger. I hope it goes as smooth as I'm anticipating it to be.
 
use a heat gun to soften the adhesive holding the vinyl and the graphics/stripes should pull off pretty easy....when i changed the name on my boat after we bought it the 'ghosting' of the previous name was very noticeable....i had to wet sand the gelcoat to completely remove the ghosting....took a few hours but it was worth it IMHO....

cliff
 
CliffA said:
use a heat gun to soften the adhesive holding the vinyl and the graphics/stripes should pull off pretty easy....when i changed the name on my boat after we bought it the 'ghosting' of the previous name was very noticeable....i had to wet sand the gelcoat to completely remove the ghosting....took a few hours but it was worth it IMHO....

cliff
Click to expand...

Will the heat gun damage the gelcoat in any way?
 
Will the heat gun damage the gelcoat in any way?
Click to expand...

It shouldn't unless you hold it in one spot for a long time. The heat gun will quickly heat up and soften the decals so they will pull right off. You might also need the eraser wheel to remove the smaller pieces where it tears. My pinstriping was old and cracking, before using the wheel I spent an hour trying to remove a 1ft section - the wheel removed the whole stripe both sides in about 20min.
 
Thanks for the helpful tips! I'm just worried about the marina decal located by the fuel tank.. I don't know how I feel about pointing a heat gun in that area, even if it's only for a few seconds lol
 
EuroSpec27 said:
Thanks for the helpful tips! I'm just worried about the marina decal located by the fuel tank.. I don't know how I feel about pointing a heat gun in that area, even if it's only for a few seconds lol
Click to expand...

I covered the fuel cap with duct tape when I did it.
 
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