Top side paint job

I've never heard of them and have been in business a long time in Fort Lauderdale. That's not to say they're not good. Cable Marine in Fort Lauderdale does very nice paint jobs.

Having just gone through the experience of a full repaint on my 53' Hatteras, I would say that if I had to pick a trade, it would NOT be painting recreational boats!

Dealing with the General Public is difficult enough for any business, however when it comes to what is almost immeasurable parameters, then you are headed to hell sooner or later when an unrealistic client turns up. Sounds like I am defending the trades people and I suppose I am, however to assist you I would suggest, get references! Then view samples of their work and make sure, absolutely certain that you can communicate exactly what you expect and know what the boat painters will do.

It is such a SUBJECTIVE project with many other factors which will affect the end result. Such as: how the original boat was finished, the colour you are choosing, the conditions of the yard where the work is to be done. Have you checked where the work is going to be done? Is the shed being shared with another boat? Where is almost as important as who. etc. etc.

Most important: How much are you going to pay?

If you have squeezed the best deal around, pray for a good result, although you don't deserve it.


For the record, I am extremely satisfied with the repaint done on my boat. My opinion is based on watching these guys at work, my experience in a business where quality is paramount (yet getting a premium for it is difficult) and realising that there is not a measurement for perception as there is in measuring a straight line or the compression on a motor.

Some brand new businesses need a start and a break so if your painter has not been around long enough to have recommendations or sample work, don't run. But don't put the cost before the quality. My project was the first one for this company, but the painter had been a foreman for many years. We made a deal based on good paperwork and personal trust. If you can't get that, don't bother.

Hope I am not being too abstract for your assistance, but that is the issue with this work. All it takes is one guy saying "wow, look at that run" or "is that orange peel?" and the work you thought was perfect, becomes an argument.

Just finished painting at 80' Jongert Motor Yacht in May 2014. Painted the entire vessel. Changed the hull from white to blue. I am an engineer and very picky. Hired an independent paint specialist to make sure it was painted correctly. Used Luu Marine. They are in Lauderdale Marine Center in Ft Lauderdale. This is a do it yourself yard so you can bring in licensed contractors, for other work. VERY HAPPY. I have never painted a boat before and was far more difficult and time consuming than I imagined. They were not the least expensive or the most expensive. There was one boat in the yard, being painted by another painter. Heard from some of my other contractors, that the other job was going to be a nightmare. Gave the owner a low price. In the middle of the job, they were going to walk away if not paid a LOT more. Luu Marine was on time and on budget and first class work. Highly recommended.