Hull color question

[PSwan]

Question about hull color and epoxy: I'd like to do the hull in black or dark royal blue, but I'm concerned that the additional heat from a dark hull here in the Sunshine State will weaken the epoxy & glass on the outside. Has anyone had any issues with dark hull colors and epoxy?

[Barry Pyeatt]

In your area a dark hull color can absorb quite a bit of heat. On the lower portion of the hull, (below the lower rub rail) a dark color will not pick up quite as much exposure and hence not get quite as hot. If used on an upper portion or cabin/deck/cockpit it will get far too hot to be practical for use and could cause epoxy resins to soften and loose strength. Keep the upper portions exposed directly to the sun in lighter colors and you should be fine.

I have friends in Hawaii, Florida and the Carib. that have dark hulled trailerable boats, Black, dark blue, dark green, dark brick red and they haven't had any issues with them. One has a white cover that he places over the entire boat when on the trailer, (Black hull) and has not had any issues in over 10 years of direct sun exposure. Most of these have significant use of epoxy and or other resins in them.

All os these owners have off white, light gray or other light color, or teak decks and light colored cabins and cockpits. Two of them have teak slat seats in their cockpits and they oil them a couple times a year and they are holding up well.

I would use a glossier paint if dark rather than a flater finish and it will help to reflect some of the suns radiation. Also covering them when on the trailer with a white poly tarp cover will help.

[wkisting]

Hi guys,

I've heard the same caution about dark painted colors, but I'm curious if it could ever apply to brightwork too. If you have a fairly dark brown colored sheet of Okoume or Meranti, finished bright, is there any concern that it might cause similar problems with epoxy, or is it only the VERY dark colors (navy blues, blacks, etc.) that cause the troubles?

Thanks!

[Charlie Jones]

I've never had a problem and down here an epoxy coated then varnished seat in a boat can take the hide off of you in the mid day sun.

I DON'T varnish thwarts anymore for exactly that reason, but the epoxy never had a problem that I saw.

NO-ONE would consider a dark deck down here- that would be insanity. Even pale blue or beige can burn your feet on a deck.

WHITE is the ticket- and live with having to scrub it.

[adla]

well - i expect that i will know the answer to this soon enough. I painted Morgaine dark blue and this will be the first summer of full exposure. I can't keep her under the carport because i have the unfinished vacationer there...so it remains to be seen what the sun will do to the dark hull. And it does get hot here...not humid but real hot.

a.