Paint or gelcoat

Hi 
Looking to buy a Freeman 23,does it matter that she's been painted or is it preferable to buy one that has original gelcoat?
Thank you
Marek

Every time in my opinion, a good gelcoat is far superior i am sure the boys and girls on here would agree nothing better than a original freeman a thing of beauty

Totally agree with bigscale.  My last boat (Seamaster 20) was painted and I ended up re-painting every other year, I had that boat for 12 years and made a decision never to buy a painted boat again.  The problem with a painted boat is - you can't see what is underneath the paint. I know many boats are painted, but if possible go for gelcoat finish.

A well painted boat can look great, but as mentioned above, you don’t really know what you’re getting. 

A gel coat bot will probably be easier to sell later on

IMO an imperfect stained, but polished gel coat is better than a painted boat, because its easy to keep polishing a gel coat but a pain to sand back peeling paint and re do. plus you can polish in any weather but there are only so many days of the year you can paint. but if you are looking at buying a painted F23 then you have to weigh up everything else, but just be aware that to keep it looking good year on year, its extra work if it starts to peel!
After 25 years of owning a F23, the one big enemy of gel coat.....spider poop!!!! I love spiders but if you don't get their poop washed off the gel coat pronto then it makes pin prick holes in it...it basically dissolves gel coat, its that acidic.

Thank you everyone, I think I'll look out for a 23 still in gelcoat
 Marek

Poachermas wrote:Thank you everyone, I think I'll look out for a 23 still in gelcoat
 Marek

There is one I've seen recently. It needs quite a bit of work and the current asking price is hopelessly optimistic. On the Thames in Bucks so PM me if you want details.