Gunwale Scratches in Clear

[KennyVexus]

Is anyone experiencing getting small scratches in the clear on the gunwale from normal use. I have taken rubbing compound to mine four times already in seven trips out. I think I got the "Soft Case" paint.
Next week I am taking the boat in for an estimate to get clear 3M paint protective material applied.

[BigEasy]

I’ve been thinking of doing the same thing Ken, I just can’t find an applicator around Indy to do it.

[Ruddiger]

Howdy,

Sadly, thats the problem with any painted boat. "Hard Case" paint is an oxymoron and, while paint works great on cars, cars also don't have the physical contact with objects that boats do.

I love everything Vexus is doing (minus the missing 9' rod lockers) but for me the jury is still out on using paint and it's not looking good.

Case in point, I spend a lot of time in Canada where painted aluminum is very common with walleye guys who love their Lunds, Alumacraft and Crestliners. A 10 year old painted boat always shows its age, while a 15 year old glass boat can still look as good as the day it rolled off the assembly line.

Take care,

Ruddiger

[KennyVexus]

I’ve been thinking of doing the same thing Ken, I just can’t find an applicator around Indy to do it.

One of our club members works a a car dealership and he new a guy. An independent contractor. I will keep you posted how this goes.
You may try to call a car dealership service department and ask for a recommendation. These guys are mobile and will come to your house. Just like the glass or hail damage guys.

[Chuck Pickel]

I know OEM dealerships do it to cars. I know that would be $$$, but so was your boat....Any shop that wraps cars/boats/RV's should have
the clear also. The gunnels is the worst place to get the abuse, other than the bottom. I have a 2080 coming and I have thought seriously about doing the gunnels and sides on mine. If you go this route please update us here on how it turns out.

[KennyVexus]

Got the quote today for all gunwale areas. $380.

[ifishinxs]

Got the quote today for all gunwale areas. $380.

Thats not bad!

[Grizzly]

Guess they should have done a scratch test

[alli ss]

I wonder if the ceramic treatment (not just the wax) will help?

[Jonesslk]

I have an appt this week to see about doing the ceramic coating. Been seeing a lot of positive feedback on the treatment.

[ifishinxs]

I have an appt this week to see about doing the ceramic coating. Been seeing a lot of positive feedback on the treatment.

Ceramic will not prevent scratches! It will however protect the paint very well. I wipe my boats down with Lucas slick mist after every trip and that seems to keep them looking like new.

[alli ss]

I know it helps on the fiberglass and it helped a bunch on my xpress as far as cleaning is concerned. Scum lines just spray off with a hose and the sides seem to get scuff marks from stumps instead of scratches. They wax right off so maybe its worth it on the hard case paint as well. Very expensive at like $20/ft though.

[crank68]

Great marketing

[KennyVexus]

Getting the paint protection Friday! Thinking about getting the Merc motor cover done where the bugs hit.
Here is a tip for anyone who is thinking about paint protection film. Your aluminum Vexus will have some small paint nibs on the gunwales. These nibs are either dirt in the paint or aluminum weld spatter. If these are not addressed they will create a air bubble around the nib under the film. Today I used a nib file, 2000 grit sand paper and rubbing compound and a buffing wheel to flatten the nibs out. I hope it is worth all this trouble.

[Lakerbacon]

I've had my dvx for 2 weeks and look what I did already. :((((
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sduwJnQY7b1gWN65A

[sclark]

Daddy always told me that chicks dig scars :-)

ouch that had to hurt a little -

[KennyVexus]

Paint protection is installed including the front and top of the Merc. Looks good!

[ifishinxs]

Paint protection is installed including the front and top of the Merc. Looks good!

Pictures

[KennyVexus]

Pictures

Well since it is clear you can't see anything in the pictures. I tried...sorry.

[Grizzly]

I've had my dvx for 2 weeks and look what I did already. :((((
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sduwJnQY7b1gWN65A

It's going to happen if you use a boat what it's made for