Painting the Deck and Cockpit

When it comes to maintaining a sailboat, many sailors tend to focus on the engine, rigging, and sails. However, neglecting the deck can lead to slippery surfaces and hazardous conditions. Painting the decks with a non-skid coating is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your crew and vessel. It provides traction, reduces the risk of slips and falls, and protects the deck from damage caused by wear and tear. A well-maintained deck can make all the difference in a sailing emergency, and by prioritizing non-skid paint, you can ensure that your sailboat remains seaworthy and ready for adventure.

Ready for work

Atlantean's Make-Over

After some discussion, Adam and I decided we wanted to paint the decks and cockpit of Atlantean, our Fast Passage 39 sailboat, before we set off on our circumnavigation. We found a good reference and received a fair quote, which prompted us to proceed with the project. While we typically prefer to be directly involved in our tasks, time constraints led us to hire a vendor for this massive undertaking.

One of the primary justifications for undertaking this project was the significant wear and tear on the non-skid surface, rendering it ineffective in several areas. The safety implications of having a slippery boat were paramount in our decision-making process, highlighting the necessity of enhancing the vessel's aesthetics and functionality.

BEFORE PHOTOS (click to enlarge)

Preparing for Beautification.

We spent two days removing all the deck hardware, including the windlass, dodger, turning blocks, vent covers, etc.

When the workers started prep, it was pretty alarming to show up after a day and see huge gouged-out areas that would later be packed with glass and filler to repair holes. This is when we knew that it was good to have the pros take care of it. It would have taken us months and months of beating around the bush with delicate repair work.

Atlantean getting some TLC

Painting the Deck and Cockpit

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Layers and layers of paint

As you can see, the first two photos (top row) are very bright white. We found this to be too jarring to the eyes and wanted something more warm and easy to digest. The remaining four photos are what we ultimately decided on.

AWLGRIP deck paint color options.

While many boat owners opt for bright white hues as the primary color, we preferred a different approach. Our goal was to select a more gentle shade for a soothing effect, something softer on the eyes. Initially, we settled on Signal White (top right corner), but after applying the first coat, we found it too harsh. Fortunately, since we were applying multiple coats, we had the chance to experiment with various alternatives. Blanc Pur appeared darker on paper, but upon examination in the light, it still seemed too vibrant. After trying to match the hull we decided to go with Oyster White. Initially, we were concerned about its yellow undertones, but ultimately have come to adore it.

Awlgrip paint color options

AWLGRIP

Final Outcome

Given that we intend to live on this boat permanently while sailing around the world, we aimed for a deck color that is visually pleasing. While a bright white color seemed attractive at first, we are extremely satisfied with the result of choosing Oyster White. It complements our new cockpit cushions beautifully and blends almost seamlessly with the hull.

Atlantean's new cockpit!