In a recent Shallow Draft column (“Going to the Dark Side,” June 22), I suggested that some of our small boats—maybe especially white-gelcoat production models—might look more “classic” if their hulls were refinished in darker colors.
My favorite color combination has always been dark blue hull, white topsides and everything that isn't plastic or metal varnished to within an inch of its life!. My 22 ft Helsen Henrilina was this combination. Boats are living creatures with a soul and feelings. It is up to us to insure they always look their very best so they can raise their bows high when passing through the harbor.
Norman - Really love your comment, especially the last sentence about our ‘living creatures.’ Can you post a photo or two of your Helsen Henrilina and its color scheme?
Dan - As you know well, once you’ve been diagnosed the boat defect gene takes full control. You might as well surrender and enjoy the ride…which I’ve been doing with gratitude and bliss. Thank - Marty
It’s been several years, but I think the blue on the Whitehall was George Kirby Paint Company’s #18 Medium Blue topside paint. A lot of the other colors were custom mixes, which I often do…and mainly with enamels from Marshalls Cove Marine Paints. - Marty
Some boats just can't fool the masses. I will be repainting my M17 a dark blue, but it's cabin house will always scream "modern". (It's actually my harshest criticism of the boat).
The catboat is classic! What did you use to paint the spars? I'm thinking of how to get away from the aluminum on my little boat and this is a real inspiration.
Kees - The spars were painted (appropriately) with Spar Buff enamel from Marshalls Cove Marine Paints. You could also go with Interlux Brightside’s Sundown Buff if you prefer a polyurethane, or Schooner Spar Buff from Marshalls Cove.
Beautiful colors. The Cat fooled me completely and looks so much better. My son recently bought a dory skiff as a new unfinished build. He chose bottle green for the hull, pea green for the shear, and cream for the interior. Left the stem, transom, gunwale and rub rail bright.
My favorite color combination has always been dark blue hull, white topsides and everything that isn't plastic or metal varnished to within an inch of its life!. My 22 ft Helsen Henrilina was this combination. Boats are living creatures with a soul and feelings. It is up to us to insure they always look their very best so they can raise their bows high when passing through the harbor.
Norman - Really love your comment, especially the last sentence about our ‘living creatures.’ Can you post a photo or two of your Helsen Henrilina and its color scheme?
I don't know how to post a photo. Tell you what, I will email a couple to Josh and he can send them on to you.
Thanks
ALL of Marty’s works....photos, boats,are truly “Works of Love and Art”.....or possibly that genetic boat defect gene mentioned earlier!!!
Dan - As you know well, once you’ve been diagnosed the boat defect gene takes full control. You might as well surrender and enjoy the ride…which I’ve been doing with gratitude and bliss. Thank - Marty
You’re an artist - thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome, Greg, and thanks for the generous comment. - Marty
Beautiful. Are you able to share what paint and color choices were used? I particularly like the blue on that Whitehall.
It’s been several years, but I think the blue on the Whitehall was George Kirby Paint Company’s #18 Medium Blue topside paint. A lot of the other colors were custom mixes, which I often do…and mainly with enamels from Marshalls Cove Marine Paints. - Marty
Some boats just can't fool the masses. I will be repainting my M17 a dark blue, but it's cabin house will always scream "modern". (It's actually my harshest criticism of the boat).
The catboat is classic! What did you use to paint the spars? I'm thinking of how to get away from the aluminum on my little boat and this is a real inspiration.
Kees - The spars were painted (appropriately) with Spar Buff enamel from Marshalls Cove Marine Paints. You could also go with Interlux Brightside’s Sundown Buff if you prefer a polyurethane, or Schooner Spar Buff from Marshalls Cove.
Beautiful colors. The Cat fooled me completely and looks so much better. My son recently bought a dory skiff as a new unfinished build. He chose bottle green for the hull, pea green for the shear, and cream for the interior. Left the stem, transom, gunwale and rub rail bright.
John - Do you have a photo you can post of your son’s dory skiff? - Marty
Yes, but I’m having a technical challenge here. How or where can I do this.
Email it to me at Norseboater22@gmail.com and I’ll get it posted. - Marty