39 topside paints were applied in "bracelets" ûon both sides of an old Boston Whaler after ûcareful preparation of the surface. Now, we ûwatch and wait.

Your beloved boat is no longer young. The laminate—the heart of her construction—may still be strong, but that protective gelcoat has gone chalky, and no amount of cleaning and waxing seems to bring it back. Her skin is losing its luster.

When you finally conclude that the topsides need painting, you're not alone. There are hundreds of thousands of fiberglass boats that need the same treatment. Yet many boat owners are reluctant to slap on the paint, first because, well... it's a big move, and they won't likely ever be returning to a new gelcoat, and second because they fear the paint won't last, that it'll need constant attention, and end…