Polyurethane Kit, Is it worth it?

[vesselgreenhead]

Has anyone tried a herculiner self applied kit on the inside of your boat? I'm considering to be brave and attempt this task by myself. I'm concerned on over applying or doing something drastically wrong that I would regret for a long time! My boat is an 18' all aluminum boat that is hot to the touch in summer, shines like a mirror and is very slippery when wet. I priced it to be done professionally at a rhino lining dealership and thet want $725.00 and my right arm. I can buy the total kit for $180.00. No brainer here on cost however, I don't want to be the laughing stock at the boat launch every outing. suggestions please........

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Polyurethane Kit, Is it worth it?

I'd be concerned about how it adheres to the shiny aluminum. It would be a disaster if it started to peel later on. For sure you'd need a metal prep and an epoxy etchant primer to start with.<br /><br />Another thing......the cheaper polyurethane products are brittle. It would be a sad issue if the stuff you put on cracked everywhere you stepped because of the flexing aluminum........<br /><br />GOOD LUCK!

 

[Valv]

Re: Polyurethane Kit, Is it worth it?

I know of a lot of people here that coated their aluminum with liquid bedliner, or Rhino, or similar stuff. They are very happy and even sealed some leaks from loose rivets. Never heard anybody complaining.<br /><br />Val

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Polyurethane Kit, Is it worth it?

Stuff is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!! They also make a nice grey with matching grey rubber in it, usually only available direct in the gallons. Put some in my two aluminum boats. Sticks jus fine. Try not to seal the ribs shut...Use the grey, black gets hot as hadies.

 

[vesselgreenhead]

Re: Polyurethane Kit, Is it worth it?

FlyBoyMark,<br />Did you apply the Herculiner on yourself or have a distributor do it for you? If so, can you explain your procedure to me such as roughing up the aluminum first or any coats of primer, etc. Did it drip when you rolled the sides and was it easy to apply even coats? Does your aluminum flex, if so, is there any cracking. Educate me please. Thanks

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Polyurethane Kit, Is it worth it?

No primer is neccessary. Stays flexable. And if for some reason the coating gets damaged, jus' brush a little on the spot and it blends rite in. Use a med 3M pad with some type of soap that does not leave a residue, 409/Fantastic, to remove all dirt, grease, fish guts, ect. AND work small areas at a time so that the soap does not dry and rinse well. Let dry completely in the sun. The 3M pad will prep/sand the surface. Must be dry.....the ribs keep water under them for awhile. Brush or roll on from chines down and let dry. Standard 14' alum. boat should use 1/2 to 3/4 gal.(bottom coverage only) Stuff go's on nice, stir the coating often to keep the little grey pieces of rubber suspended during application. The only way to get the GREY Hurculiner is to buy it direct from Herculiner for $139.00 bucks per gal (cough-cough) Does not come in quarts like the black and black like I said would be a very bad choice unless you live north of the artic circle. My buddy an I split it between our identicle boats.

 

[cimmaronjim]

Re: Polyurethane Kit, Is it worth it?

This thread might should be in the boating rather than engine forum.<br />I've heard of alot of folks who are very happy with the truck bed coating. I've also heard of people applying it to the bottom hull to help seal and also protect from scratches and dents.<br />I can't get a definitive answer as to whether the rougher texture would create a big problem with drag if applied on the outside. <br />Has anyone used it as an outer coating?