The Ceramic Coating Dilemma

Ceramic coatings have been around for a while now and are proven to extend the life of your Sportfish or center console boat’s finish. Not only do they protect against UV damage, salt, and other harsh elements, but they also make ongoing maintenance significantly easier. However, to maximize their benefits, it’s essential to follow the right steps to preserve the coating and extend its lifespan. This includes frequently applying a spray-on, silica-based topcoat and using the proper washing and drying methods.

There’s Only One Problem

Ceramic coatings are effective but come at a cost - both in terms of materials and application. The products are expensive, and the application process is either time-consuming or costly if you hire a professional. There is extreme value in hiring a professional and like most things, you get what you pay for. With that said, many boat owners and crews find themselves wondering whether to take on the job themselves or if they need to bring in a pro.

After speaking with hundreds of customers at Sportfish Outfitters, we’ve gathered some valuable insights on how to approach this decision. Here's our insight:

When to Hire a Professional vs. DIY

If your boat’s surface needs more than a medium cut or surface prep compound, such as Starke Elevate or Triple P, we recommend hiring a professional unless you’re experienced at restoring finishes.

How do you know what your boat needs?

• If the finish is hazy, cloudy, or inconsistent in any way, it likely needs more than a medium cut compound.
• Minor swirls or light oxidation? You might be able to tackle it yourself with the right products and a little patience.

Thinking about doing it yourself?

Ceramic application has gotten easier thanks to improved products, but it still requires attention to detail. If you decide to go the DIY route, make sure to follow each step meticulously and watching Youtube videos from manufacturers. Cutting corners could mean redoing the entire job sooner than expected.

Not Sure About Ceramic Coating? Try a Blended Approach

We get it - ceramic coating your entire boat is expensive. But who says you have to do it all at once? A blended approach can be a great compromise.

• Consider ceramic coating high-impact areas like the cockpit, house, or hull.
• Use a polymer sealant on the rest of the boat.

This method lets you compare the performance and durability of ceramic versus polymer without the hefty price tag of doing the whole boat.

Final Thoughts

If you want your boat to look its best, don’t place all the pressure- or high expectations- on your crew. Sometimes, hiring a professional is the best way to achieve that showroom shine. If you need trustworthy referrals, Sportfish Outfitters can connect you with reputable detailers who deliver top-quality results.

Looking to start your ceramic coating journey?

At Sportfish Outfitters, we offer a range of products, including the Starke Elevate and Triple P compounds mentioned above, to help you achieve the best results whether you’re going DIY or hiring a pro. Visit us today or contact us for expert advice!

Additional Things to Consider

You need to learn surface prepping, application, cure time, removal, as well as when to change applicator pads and microfiber towels. Double check each section you do then move on and repeat. 

Each surface material has a unique application technique. You have to consider what to do with nonskid, vinyl, rubber, glass, enclosures, and metals…

The most important thing is how to avoid messing up, and how to fix it when it happens. It’s not whether you are capable of doing it or not, it’s whether you have the experience and training necessary to know what to do when.  Don’t underestimate how easy is to make a brutal mistake with ceramic. 

Ready to jump into your DIY project? Shop our Starke Ceramic Starter Kit Collection that includes all the products mentioned in this article. 

Understanding Products Needed

The following example using Starke Yacht Care products would be for a Sportfish cockpit area or topsides of a 30 foot center console 

1-2 100ml bottles Starke ceramic Thor 

4x Application pads specially designed for ceramic coatings

20+ Quality microfiber towels

6 Buffing pads rotary and orbital mix

1 Quart Starke Triple P finishing polish

1 Quart Starke Elevate medium compound polish

1 Quart Starke Level R heavy cut compound if needed (optional)

Alcohol prep spray or Starke Surface Prep

Synthetic nitrile rubber gloves 

Multiple sizes of painters tape

Clay Bar - for removing tough dirt or spots

3M adhesive remover or other glue remover 

Magic erasers

Wash down supplies

Rotary and random orbital machines 

**4 days of labor / 32 man-hours approximately 

Photo credits:

The Buckskin Billfish