Boat Painting & Refinishing in Cumming, GA

Forsyth shoreline, Georgia sun

Forsyth County holds about 30 percent of Lake Lanier, and much of that shoreline is lined with private docks and lifts. A boat on a lift stays dry but sits in the sun all season. Over the years, deck and topsides fade, the console turns chalky and vinyl-trimmed areas lose color. When a polish no longer brings it back, a refinish does.

What we refinish

• Topsides and hull sides faded by sun.
• Consoles and helms.
• Patchy areas from past repairs.
• Bottom repair and painting.

How the job goes

When a Cumming boat arrives from the lift or dock, we check the topsides and helm closely, since sun damage is often deeper on the upper surfaces. Chalky gel coat is sanded back to a sound layer, any cracks are repaired, and the area is masked so the finish stops in clean lines. The finish then cures in the shop before we inspect and release the boat.

From the Forsyth side to the shop

Our shop is in Buford, across the south end of the lake from Cumming. A boat on a lift or at a dock comes out at a ramp or marina first, then travels on a trailer. If you need help, see boat transport in Cumming. We plan the trip so the boat moves only once.

Bundling work

Since the boat is making the trip, it is a good time for other shop work: a drive inspection, fiberglass repair or engine service. Tell us your list when you call.

Timing

Fall and winter are best. Book early so the boat is back on the lift by spring.

Pricing

Pricing is set when you call for a quote. These are the things that change the size of the job:

• The area being refinished.
• Repairs needed first.
• Prep.
• Haul-out and transport.

Topsides take the hardest hit

On a boat that sits on a lift, the sun hits the deck, gunwales and helm all day while the hull below is shaded by the lift or dock. That is why topsides often look much older than the hull sides. A refinish can focus on the areas that need it most, which keeps the scope sensible.

Outdrive painting

Lake boats kept on lifts and at docks often show chipped paint and corrosion on the outdrive. Prepping and repainting the drive protects the aluminum and makes the back of the boat look finished. It pairs well with a drive inspection while the boat is at the shop.

Protecting the result

A lift cover or boat cover is the best way to keep a fresh finish from fading again. Add a sealant or ceramic coating through our detailing service once the finish has cured.

Lifts and new finishes

Before the boat goes back on the lift, check the bunks. Worn carpet or misaligned bunks can scuff a new finish every time the boat goes up. We point out wear spots we see on the hull during prep, which often show where the lift is rubbing.

How long the job takes

The time depends on the area being refinished and any repairs needed first. We give you a realistic idea when you call, and plan transport around it if needed.

Masking around electronics

Modern helms carry screens, switches and wiring that must be protected during a refinish. We mask each piece carefully, and remove trim panels where needed, so overspray and sanding dust stay off the electronics. When the work is done, everything is cleaned and checked before the boat leaves.

What to send first

Before the boat makes the trip across the lake, send photos of each side, the deck, the helm and any damage. Tell us whether the boat lives on a lift or at a dock, and whether you need help with transport. With that, we can outline the scope and timing, so the boat only moves once and comes back to the Forsyth side finished and ready for the lift.

Related and nearby

Cumming owners often combine a refinish with other shop work. Nearby, we also refinish boats on Lake Lanier, in Alpharetta and in Dahlonega. Damage under the paint is handled by our gel coat repair in Cumming team, and a detail in Cumming keeps new paint protected. See all our boat repair in Cumming, the main boat painting page, or get in touch.