1985 Smoker Craft 14ft

[Scott Paskvan]

Hello Ladies & Gents,

I recently purchased an almost new Nissan 9.9 outboard with a 1985 14ft Smoker Craft attached to it. I was really wanting a 4 stroke and plan to fish only 9.9 lakes and below anymore, the kids grew up so I'm selling the 2013 Tracker this spring. That's the plan and I don't think she'll let me back out of it.

Anyway the boat needs some refreshing, the interior is in great shape but the exterior has seen better days. Some minor scratches and the white, maybe off white, paint couldn't be more exhausted. My thought was wash it up, scuff it and paint above the waterline a nice tan or dark green to match the interior. I was able to find replacement decals online so that's not a problem my real pickle is the prep and paint itself. I'm not a skilled painter by any means (outside of bare drywall) so I'm looking for "I don't have any skills" ideas. For those of you have tried prepping hulls would sanding with I guess 400 grit, a good wash and then apply the paint? It seems everyone has a preference with paint I really don't so ideas there are welcome along with any sage like advice you may have for prep.

I'm not looking to bare hull it, if that's the only option I'll wax and buff the living hell out of it and live with the results until it sinks.

Thanks, I hope you're all well.

 

[airshot]

I re painted my 12' Jon boat with Rustoleum exterior enamal. Rolled the big flat surfaces and used rattle cans to Finnish the areas a roller could not reach. I used the hunter green as both can and spray are a perfect match. Just did a thorough wash, wipe down with acetone after fixing the scratches and dings and a lite stuffing with some sandpaper, 220 grit. That was 8 years ago and it still looks good. Boat sits under an awning so no direct sun. While not a professional paint job, have had numerous compliments.
As far as your motor, why spend bug bucks on a four stroke ? Two strokes are lighter and faster, cheaper to maintain, cost less and the difference in fuel savings is pennies.