Pimp my ride

Anders Kurten
CEO
Every spring has it’s “flavour of the week” in boatbuilding. Last spring it was electrical headsail furling and aft mounted anchor winches, the spring before that it was light tan Alcantara upholstery. This spring, thanks to 43001 being visible in production with a very sexy metallic black paint finish, the “de rigeur” thing has been metallic paint finishes. We have some FG41’s in build being finished with metallic topsides in various hues, and all three of the first FG43:s are being finished in metallic; black, copper and dark grey respectively. Boat owners have traditionally been extremely conservative in regards to aesthetics – Flag Blue and Snow White have been the predominant colours of choice for our customers, but this may be the trickle down effect from superyachts becoming visible in smaller boats, and considering the fact that a painted surface is actually superior to traditional gelcoat this is not a bad thing. We also calculated that the net savings on an FG43 in total weight comparing traditional gelcoat with a painted surface is roughly 50 kg – in favour of paint. So be bold, go metallic! You’ve been officially pimped!