steelhead216

I have a question regarding a t top frame for a center console. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a powder coated frame vs a standard aluminum frame, and, do you care for them or maintain them differently? The boat I’m considering will be used in freshwater only, if that makes a difference. That’s for your advise, I’ve learned a great deal from this forum.

jbg108

In fresh water I would go anodized. It will look good for ever if waxed a few times a year. Powder coat is great until you get one nick or chip. then it starts peeling and cannot be fixed without a major job. If the pipework cracks or freezes and blows out your powder coat is compromised as well. If it's not then repairs are easy.

Boatfly61

I wouldn't powder coat it unless you desire a colored frame. Like jbg108 said, once a powder coat chips...
There may be other alternatives to powder coating such as line-x or one of those products, but I don't have any experience with them.

Gary999

No pc.

Chillinthemost

This must be at least the third time this week that this question was asked.

steelhead216

Actually it’s only the second. But thanks for the worthless response.

Mata Peje

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh nope !

Tango391

Both of my boats now have had powder coating and I can’t express enough what a pain in the ass it is!! I didn’t have the option to not get it but if you do, do yourself a favor and don’t get it. It looks nice, for awhile, but it’s a headache

raybark

If the preparation and application is done well, powder coating is tough as nails. In industrial applications, it is often used an an anti-corrosion coating.

However, the likelihood of finding a boat vendor whose subcontractor is doing it right is pretty slim. For a window frame, it's fine, as it won't see much contact, but a hard top will be grabbed, banged into, etc., and anything hard like a ring on a finger, sinker swinging on a line, and the like, can put a ding into it that'll be a major PITA to repair.

Then, once it's gotten bad enough that you'll want to do something about it, stripping it to prep for another coating is yet another costly PITA.

Anodized aluminum is the way to go.

cp5899

I’ve seen many 1 year old boats that have the pc coming off. It looks great, but I would not want to have to take the t top off to have it recoated every few years.

Ray KSUSA3

I would say it depends on who is doing the powder coating. As some have said, some mfr's will start peeling at the slightest chip or scratch or at the bolt holes. Never had or seen an issue with Yellowfin since 2005. Their powder coater does a great job. It's so easy to keep clean and it's easy to touch-up chips with a single stage catalyzed auto paint. I would never go back to cleaning and polishing anodized aluminum. Eventually it will pit and oxidize no matter what. You might want to clarify what mfr you're considering and get opinions on that brand specifically.

steelhead216

Considering a Regulator

Ray KSUSA3

I did a quick search regulator+powder. Found this...apprently this is the guy who does YF and Regulator. you might want to contact him.

Powdercoating questions and answers...