Well the dry season is here and it’s time to paint Splendid’s hull.
Splendid was born in China and I’ve always gone with a Chinese color theme ( black, gold, and red). As you all know I have a “Shrimp boat” mentality when it comes to paint. I don’t want to look like the rich guy in the anchorage and if I get hit I like the fact I can do a little glass work if necessary , grab a paint brush, and not worry so much about the finish. I love brush strokes in paint as it gives a feeling of classic boats. As many of you know I have the ability to spray paint and can get a quality finish if I want it, I just don’t want it. And I’m fully aware that black paint is hotter. I actually want Splendid warmer than ambient inside as it’s the best way to keep her dry and fight mold which is a constant battle in the tropics. However I don’t plan on spending all of my time in the tropics either, in colder climates the warmth will be more than welcome.
The top photo is as Splendid sits today. Carla is making a new black sail cover for 
the mizzen, and we just put up our black ATN Genoa sleeve (not shown) which I must say I love! Putting 7+ pounds of Sunbrella on the jib as a sacrificial sun-cover is about one of the stupidest things I’ve heard of in the sailing industry, as all you do is knacker the performance and shape of the jib, especially in light air.
With our “white hull” color plan we have a black sheer stripe, and with our “black hull” color plan there is no sheer stripe. There will be a Chinese character on each side of the forward hull, and the Chinese character for wind on the stern (not shown). You can click on the image to increase its size if you wish. I didn’t do the best photoshop job, but you get the general idea.
Carla and I are going to build a new set 
of sails from Sailrite sail kits (they do the cutting, we do the stitching) from tanbark dacron. I have always loved tanbark sails as well as classic boats. I got a photo of this gaff-rigged beauty (Sinbad) with tanbark sails as she sailed past us last week.
We are going to do the majority of the painting in the water. As soon as I can afford it I’m hauling out for a bottom job and replacing all the threw-hulls with Forespar maralon fittings. 
I hope everyone’s 2013 is turning out well, mine is. Getting Splendid to where I want her is a real reality for 2013. I want to be set free from all the work. Maintenance mode will be a welcome friend and I’m looking to spending the rest of my days taking care of our home.
We have a charter coming on the 7th through the 12th so I’ll most likely be too busy to blog. If you interested to come for a visit we have window open after the 12th for 8 weeks. After that I’m planning on going to Linton for a few months to finish some projects if we don’t have any work.
So please leave a comment and let us know which color scheme you like better. We are thinking the white one will win?
Peace from paradise.
– alex
I am partial to the black color scheme myself. I’ve always had the impression that black hulled sailboats look regal and elegant. For some reason black boats always make me do a double take. Also, black and red are a very complimentary set of colors in my opinion.
On the other hand, if I’m not mistaken, getting black sprayed correctly is very difficult. One has to watch for fish eye, orange peel, runs… everything shows up way too clearly. Especially if you’re going for a glossy finish.
Still, I’d love to see Splendid wearing black. I think she’d look terrific.
Yodamose, thanks for the input. I’m going for a brushed matte look, it’s really difficult to spray dark colors.
Cheers
Well awhile back when I got my free boat (1968 Irwin27) that needed a paint job you where talking about the virtues of a dark hull. After my 2nd coat of dark blue paint you seamed to be leaning back toward lighter color hulls. I love my dark blue hull with its gold pin stripe . It dose show off my docking mishaps but a quick touch up and it looks great. I did it with the roll & tip method . I’m no painter & if you get up close it’s not perfect . but when you see her walking down the dock she looks great. I’m up in New Jersey & not sure if it makes much difference but I have not had any problems with mildew & haven’t really noticed it beaing any warmer inside.
I have a gold pin stripe as well, it looks so good over black.
We are going to paint the sheer stripe, toe rail, rub rail, and pin stripe leaving the old beat up white hull. At that point well make a decision and either continue the black, or paint white. It’s all fun, I love painting!
If anyone has any suggestions on mp3 players let me know. My iPod died and I’m looking at options. I like the old simple 80GB 3rd generation iPod I had but they don’t make them anymore. The 64GB touch is just too expensive. I’m thinking maybe an android as I could use it as a backup plotter. I need a second GPS anyway.
Cheers.
Alex,
I feel that you guys are leaning twords black but based on what you said prep wise and with your affection for brush strokes I would have to vote for white. Lord knows its the only color that truly looks good no matter how you apply it. OK I said it now do what makes you both happy!
PL&FC
Mike
Mike,
We really like the white scheme too, they are both pretty sharp. I keep flip-flopping between the two. The white is probably more practical, and it looks better longer, and a lot easier to paint as well.
Thanks for the input.
You want my opinion? I thought not. The kuna’s destroyed my paint……..but dark is prettier….when I bought her she was a dark plumb….
The stripe option is my favorite and in my opinion looks the best. Heat really bothers me but I have little experience in the tropics. As said before, every little mark will really show up in dark versus white and for that reason I would chose the white with black stripe. LESS maintenance. No matter what you both have a BEAUTIFUL home!
The stripe option is my favorite and in my opinion looks the best. Heat really bothers me but I have little experience in the tropics. As said before, every little mark will really show up in dark versus white and for that reason I would chose the white with black stripe. LESS maintenance. No matter what you both have a BEAUTIFUL home!
So the consensus is that black is pretty but white is practical. I know, just surprise everyone and paint her red. That’ll show them!
On your boat where does everyone sleep? Do you give up your bed and sleep elsewhere?
I’m partial to red hulls with yellow pinstripe or medium blue with red pinstripe.
We have 2 cabins and a double in the main saloon. Go to “the ship” page to see a full layout of Splendid.
Garbage burning and cleaning day today. We always have a few days work before guests come.
Generally guests stay in the v-birth with an insuite sink and bathroom.
Peace
55 foot steel asking 50k PLAN B 2.0
honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/boa/3524773139.html
Good Morning My Friends…
Go white. Maintenance is the mode you want, so make it clean and easy. Less work keeping it up and will cover better.
Hope your holidays were festive. Sounds like you guys are plugging on the projects and getting ready for the rest of your life. I guess as we all are. My list is long and my mussels are sore.
TODAY I’m back on the yoga kick. Just as I get better, I stretch something to far and before it heals, I push it and here I go again. What’s up with that.
The parts I had offered you for your water maker a bunk. Not worth sending your way. Sorry. I had hopes. Could make a good anchor. Dang the motor and pump are heavy. But that’s all they’re good for at this point.
Best of luck on the projects and also, what type of sewing machine do you have? I have a “Dress Maker”. Got it on eBay new for about $200.00 does well, but the walking foot isn’t so strong and needs a lot of feeding.
I’m getting to the point of getting some new sails. Love the tanbark… You’ve got me thinkin.’ Dang…
Anyway, stay in touch, I’ll do the same… My best to Carla.
Capt. Paul
s/v Panacea
Black hull with a tan bark colored stripe to match the sails would be my choice. The white hull with that stripe would look sweet too!
Splendid is really looking good. I am going to also paint my hull. It will be flag blue again.
I will be in Guatemala in March and would like to make it to Panama. So glad to see every thing working out for you and Carla,wishing you both a happy new year… Sam I Am
Hey man, I have to say, I really like the black its very sharp… but im sure you will be wanting to re paint sooner… but then again the heating would help in colder climates, but your never in a area where you need more warmth… unless ur thinking about Greenland lol… I think either way, Splendid will look Splendid..
Cheers
Steve
Captain Paul, we have a Sailrite and Carla is a ninja with it.
We are kind of leaning back to the white, well see.
Sam if you come down here I fear you’ll never leave :)
I’ll be pretty quiet for the next week with our guests. The dry season is lovely but not very good for catching water.
Peace
I like the way she looks now.
Keith
I like the white, middle picture,,,,,,,,more distinctive.
I like the dark area right under the caprail……….surrounding the protective teak strip that’s painted white too.
I’m sure the white won’t show the “brush strokes” as much as the darker color………
My Gemini is gray, so I’m partial to color,,,,,,,,,,,,,but it’s not dark gray.
Tanbark is kewl,,,,,,,,,,,,,go for it whatever color the topsides turn out to be.
Good luck,,,,,,,,,,Dennis
What about a tan Hull?
I’ve been thinking of tan, and grey on the hull instead of the white. I’ll have to play more in photoshop. Guests arriving in a few hours.
Peace.
Have a great sail my friends. Enjoy it all and shoot pictures & video.
Capt. Paul
s/v Panacea
I have an 80g 3rd Gen that needs a good tropical home. I pretty much use my iPhone 4 now. Let me know how to get it to you.
Hi guys, it’s Carla.
Just a quick one to let you know I’ve just posted a new blog in case you’re interested. It took some time but I’ve been immersed in a lot of thinking and contemplating.
Chuck, you’re the best! I can’t believe you’re still contributing to the cause. You just don’t give up on us, do ya?! Hope things are going wonderfully for you, Alex told me some news from your last email.
Happy 2013 everybody!
Carla
No way I can give up on yall. You and Alex are family. Michelle and I are discussing way to visit you. We would even more like to be neighbors some day so we can both learn more about this way of living we are embracing.
We’d love to have you back here, Splendid is much nicer than when you came now, we’ve been working a lot! Also we’re getting along a lot better, when you came I had been living here for A WEEK!!
We’d love to meet your girl! And can’t wait to see you at the helm of your own boat. Exciting!!
A friend of a friend just said there is a condo for sail in La Guaira, right in front of Isla Grande, nice area : )
my 2 cents…. whatever color rocks your boat…. not literally.
I would let a “female” decide (hint, hint).
And I drool over tanbark sails!
Carry on, M8s
Peter
38′ fiberglass heritage west indies…
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977-Heritage-West-Indies-38-/321052211084?_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&forcev4exp=true
Charter left today, We really had a great time.
Carla and I are celebrating our 1st anniversary today :)
Peace from paradise.
As much as I like black, I think your boat looks best white with the black stripe at the top.
Gotta LOVE Photoshop. Sure makes it easier, doesn’t it?