New paint job this winter for my 56

100% what I'd recommend. When someone tells you "management decided" then before I'd get all out of shape over it, I would talk to "management". This is a service writer I'm assuming and not the decision maker so go up the ladder. Even cross to another department if you must, such as the manager, president, even the sales vp. But take it one step at a time. At least find out what the real issue or objection is. Perhaps you rubbed the guy the wrong way. Not saying you did something wrong, but it happens that someone misinterprets. Still before I'd make a lifetime decision on boats, I'd talk to a responsible official in the company.

Well, I don't care what he is. He's clearly not the decision maker and the decision was made based on what he said, by someone who has never spoken to you. If you want to stop there, that's your right. However, manager in charge of painting isn't the one with authority.

This could be as simple as the elements you wanted in the "contract" vs their standard "agreement." We don't have the knowledge here of either of those. There's obviously some source of conflict and if you want it resolved you have to talk to someone who can resolve it. Otherwise you move on.

That sucks...

Im assuming that they just want to focus on their existing customers. Viking has been so popular lately that they can have an I don't care attitude with off brand work. Did you try Worton Creek? Don't know what their paint work is like, but they know Posts.

When and if Worton ever gets back to you with a price, be prepared for sticker shock!

Well I don't know what Viking is charging, but when I had my boat quoted by Worton, they told me (verbal, not seeing the boat) that I was looking at $80k for a paint job. And that was from the Rub rail up. So I can appreciate the sticker shock comment.

I had a guy here in RI do the same job. It's not museum quality, but he was under $25k.

It seems Worton wants nothing to do with the Post brand other then saying they own the name. If your not building any boats at least take on the work for current owners. I know the subject has beaten to death already but I just shake my head at the situation. ESSRTEE8 hopefully you can find a facility that will be willing to take your money.

After going back and reading your initial post I think I see why you aren't getting an enthusiastic response to your RFQ's. What you're asking for isn't a relatively "simple" paint job, the gelcoat cracks you described add a big level of uncertainty that most yards don't want any part of as a fixed cost contract. A few surface stress cracks aren't a big deal, mototool them out, fill and fair before priming but how severe are they and how many are lurking just beneath the surface that will rear their ugly heads when the hull is sanded is an unknown. Many hulls were deemed so bad they were completely peeled back to glass and refaired, talk about a HUGE expense! Until the hull is sanded down and a guide coat applied, you will not be able to tell the extent of the problem accurately. Warranty is another area I can see why they are hesitant, if there's a failure the "blame game" can get ugly, was it due to sub-surface gelcoat issues or application can be difficult to ascertain.

Worton would rather chase away work with ridiculously high prices than to take the job at an honest price.

Just doesn't make any sense to me... Oh well, not my business.