My Hull Is In Need of Help

[hookguy]

Any of yall have ideas on where to start to look to get my hull painted and gelcoated?

I ride a 20ft Action Craft and need to have the underside of the hull repaired in places where there are chips that expose alittle fiberglass. While thats being done I really want to have my hull painted a new color and back to look sharp again. my old gelcoat has faded as well as the paint. Looking to get done before summer really gets going, is that reasonable time?

Any numbers or ideas would be great! Thanks again guys, yall always come through.

[Solid Action]

Where are you/your boat located?

[perchhunter]

northwest fiberglass on 2920. But you might want to get in there asap, the later you wait the longer the line will be

[hookguy]

Located inside the loop in Houston. Willing to travel alittle maybe to Kemah, Dickonson or North if need be

[Critter Catcher]

Call Kustom Kolors in Pearland off of Cullen. They are not the cheapest around, however they are price competitive and you get what you pay for. They typically have a back log this time of year, but it's worth the wait.

[hookguy]

Anyone have any idea of the cost? I assume it is done by the foot.

[fishsmart]

My suggestion, select 2 or 3 shops and get in line for repair. Use the first one that comes available.

Charles

[Hooked]

Check with Willie at Boat Bottoms -- on Nasa 1 in Seabrook across from the old Boat Superstore location. Does great work at a fair price.

[TEALnexttime]

tran over in palacious does good , reasonably priced work. he did a real good job on my deck a few years ago

[OxbowOutfitters]

Adrian @ Awesomeglass works..
His cell # 832-723-6811
I 45 & fm 517 (Dickenson)
Ive had a good experiance with him & have been satisfied with his work, Let alone his prices..
But, then So have alot of folks on the Forum

Oxx..

[hookguy]

Thanks Oxbow I had read a post long ago that you had mentioned Adrian and I failed to write down the info. I appreciate it.

[OxbowOutfitters]

Anytime Bro...
Pass his # along..the guys not lookin to get rich, Just tryin to make a Livin.
Arent we all..lol
Oxx..

[kraymond]

I would not reccomend Adrian. He did some work on one of my boats a little over a year ago and did not do what I told him. I give him the benneift of doubt thinking well he supposedly did good work for others here so I let him do some work on another boat. I thoroughly explained what was to done and he acknowledged saying everything will be like new. We went over this several times. After numerous phone calls and delays he told me it would be ready to pickup on a certain day. During that last call I reminded him to look over everything to make sure it was done because I work in quality assurance and inspect work for a living. When I arrived he was still working on sanding out cracks that were suppose to have been repaired. He never filled any of the previous drilled holes or cracks, he did not finnish the hull as we discussed, he buffed over velcro pads that were to be removed from old seat cushions that were removed and the whole time his dad was shacking his head at Adrian trying to make excuses. If anyone wants to discuss Adrian any further I will be happy too.

Later, Ken

[hookguy]

Wow intresting didnt expect to hear that kinda response. You think it was just a bad experience or something? I am in need of a guy that can do some good custom work. I want to paint the hull while I am getting it repaired and hoped to find someone capable of a nice paint job and pin-striping. I dont know much about that kinda stuff. Need someone that can do the work without me having to walk them through it.Adrian has had other good reviews that I have read anyone else out there that can share their experience and what kinda work he did

[Gottagofishin]

After seeing several of the pics of work Adrian did for others on the board I looked elsewhere. I'm not say he does bad work, but the finish quality in the pics I saw wasn't what I was looking for.

I ended up going to Jim Bone at Fiberglass TAC. The work he did for me was awsome.

Hookguy, depending on what you want done, graphics might be a better option than paint or gelcoat. I was going to have that done and Jim told me he didn't do paint (too many problems down the road) and what I wanted in gel coat would be about $2000.

He suggested I go to a graphics place and get a big decal. That's what I did and it was about 1/4 of the cost.

This is the result...

[kenny]

You don't paint and gelcoat, you do one or the other. The color is put in the gelcoat. White or off white is good, if it faded once it will again. JMO

[OxbowOutfitters]

Kraymond..Pm me the issues..this is the 1st Ive heard of it & I will..see that things are made(Right)

Oxx..

[JWT]

I will also strongly recommend that you don't use Adrian. I had him look at my boat and was not at all impressed with his knowledge or attitude. It seemed to me that he had probably taken a lot on this board for a ride. Anyone who can't provide three positive references shouldn't be dealt with.

[OxbowOutfitters]

JWT...If youve had him work on your boat..then you can say somthing about him..
Ive had 7 boats @ his Place..2 Contenders...that were tore to hell from the hurricane..& Numerous Others..Myself...TexasAir...Boat...& I can keep goin, Have used him..& Just a FYI..I Am a silent Partner in his Business..so when you badmouth him..you badmouth me..so much for being silent
Dont come drag some issues up when you have NO experiance with him..The Boats Ive had are work boats..Not the Ken & Barbie Yuppie specials.
I'll get off my soap box Now..

Oxx..

[BIG Flat Skiff]

I've used Adrian and was very pleased with his work.

[JWT]

Here's my experience. I contacted Adrian probably off of one of OxbowOutfitters many plugs for him (thinking he was a previous customer not business partner). I'm in Sargent and he said that he would be coming to Freeport and could stop by to look at the boat. He did mention that he would want to be reimbursed for gas, no more than $20. I agreed with a bit of hesistation since bidding is part of his business; I've been in construction and you don't charge people to look at work. Anyways he came down and quoted me $2200.00 for touching up a handful of nicks on my hull, buffing it, and installing a rubrail I would already purchase. Keep in mind this is a 23' boat. I told him that I would keep him in mind and quickly he came down a few hundred. I told him that I wasn't ready to commit and would call him back. I handed him $20 and he started whining about how much further Sargent was than he thought. I grabbed another $20 dollars and handed it to him and he then indicated that he needed at least $65.00. I told him that $40 was all I was willing to give and more than paid for the gas. After telling me how much I ripped him off he finally left. That is the truth and that is my experience. I feel I have a right to inform others on this board.

[hookguy]

hhmmm this is all very intresting but I get the idea. Thanks to all that have given me some feedback, I will contact some folks and get an idea for myslef based on what you guys have said. The boating forum is becoming my fav forum almost over the fishing reports, I learn a ton of stuff from you guys thanks again.

[OxbowOutfitters]

Jwt...I heard of Ad's experiance with you..You had agreed to give him the $65 dollar trip charge & then Crawfished on him..once he arrived..
You talk a good story, But In the End..you screwed him over..
Ya'LL believe whatever..Opinions are like @hoes everyone got 1.
Ive delt with AD..& Bought him equiptment so he can do the Jobs weve needed to get done..Ive invested in the Guy so when & if I need his services..Its just a call away for me.
Its easy for someone to talk a bunch of smak on the www But Its not all true..decide for yourself.
If youve had an issue with AD..pm me & I'll make it right, Or as right as I can..

Oxx..

[bullethead]

Honestly - who should we believe? Been following the thread as I debate refurbishing a boat myself or hiring it out. On one hand we have a guy pluggin a trade without full disclosure and on the other we have a guy making allegations that we can't verify. So after 3 pages I don't think I have received any info worth the time I spent to read it - ain't the internet grand?

[Levelwind]

Adrian worked on my boat, largely as a result of, as someone else put it, one of Oxx's many plugs.

The work was O.K., but not outstanding by any sense, and the prices were comparable to what pier 77 would have charged.

There were some delays but they weren't "unforgivable". Mostly weather related. They did result in some of the work we'd agreed to not being finished, and some not being done exactly right - but I knew this when I took the boat out. I was just pretty much relieved to get it out of there.

I guess I had a real bad night the night some storms moved through the area - with $20K worth of motors slung between a trailerhouse and a willow tree. I had neglected to ask about insurance, pretty sure I knew the answer.

At that time I thought Ox was just a happy customer. Deal makes more sense to me now.

For cosmetic work, I would probably give Adrian a shot at the work with an estimate IN WRITING. Anything more substantial I would go to another place.

[Levelwind]

Honestly - who should we believe? Been following the thread as I debate refurbishing a boat myself or hiring it out. On one hand we have a guy pluggin a trade without full disclosure and on the other we have a guy making allegations that we can't verify. So after 3 pages I don't think I have received any info worth the time I spent to read it - ain't the internet grand?
Believe me. If it's COSMETIC work you're looking for, get a quote from Adrian, look at his work area (I've not seen his new one) and get some other quotes from established and recommended shops. If Adrian is considerably less expensive and you can be a little flexible on the out date (you can run into this anywhere) I think you will be happy with the value you recieve. But I would definitely be very clear about what is expected and NOT rush him at the end of the job.

[OxbowOutfitters]

Just an FYI..Ive Invested in his Business....which means..Ive bought tools & equiptment for him to do the Jobs..I was a Customer & technically still am..
What Ive done is make it where WE all Get a Better job..Via tools & such..Its an Investment..Ive got another Transon job for him now & instead of me payin $1500.00 to get it done..Now I'll pay $400 in materials..as far as Pluggin him..yea..I have..I have (Work)boats..Not the sleek & pretty 1s..Im not worried about the Finish as much as getting home in 1 peice & seeing my wife & kid after a 150 mile run
Adrains Finish does need a lil kick in the arse sometimes..Especially when you rush him..
Ive printed out this thred & am going to take it to him so he see's how everyone feels & who's said what...If you want it yesterday..thats when he get sloppy..whos fault is it really..his for flyin to get it done..or YOU for rushing him?

Oxx..

[texasair]

I am not related to Adrian and have not invested in his business.
He did a good job on my 24' CC last year. This was my only experience with him so far.
He is starting some major modifications on a small catamaran houseboat for me and should be finished in a couple of weeks. I will post up the results, but based on the first job he did for me, I think that I will be happy.

Tex

[hookguy]

Nice to here a little more positive feedback. I dont blame you Ox sounds like a good partnership, you help him, he helps you. All I want done, after realizing I dont want my boat sitting in a shop the entire month of may, is some small fiberglass repairs to the bottom of the hull and about a 2 inch crack in the bow rail.

I am going to give him a call, see what kinda time frame I am looking at based on his availibility and go from there.

[OxbowOutfitters]

Color matching is His weakpoint..IMHO, He does a good job,but he's not a master yet..
But that like other things , Just becomes better in time..
When any of us started out in Buisness..
we all made mistakes from time to time..Went back & made it right.
His finishes Ive seen were very well done, bUT, when you reglass a 20 year old boat..nothins ever perfect.all you can do is the Best you can..
Ad's a good guy..& With a little tutilage..I'll get him there..
Oxxx..

[Charlie B.]

Jim Bone at FiberglassTac is hard to beat. He does incredible work, and is a great person. Very honest and fair.

[Gottagofishin]

I'll give a second on Jim Bone. He gave me an initial estimate. When he got into the job he found a hidden problem and called me to discuss options. We decided on an option that met my needs and only cost me an extra 130. All agreed to up front.

The finish quality was excellent and he got it done a week ahead of schedule. He also compounded out some stains and oxidation on my hull as a courtesy.

[sqwaby]

You can change the entire boat if you want. Ditto on Jim Bone I've bought consoles and had repair work done by him for customers and my own boats, for over twenty years. Never had a problem yet.

[SSNJOHN]

And 3rd on Jim Bone. When my GlacierBay arrived from South Carolina on an 18 wheeler, it was a little challenged cosmetically from being kept in the water. Jim was able to put the boat in "NEW" condition at GlacierBay's dime and remove the bottom paint on my dime. He explained everything he was going to do, how long it was going to take, and how much it was going to cost.

A year later when I modified my bow rails while transiting a Burger King, he was able to replace these in the same manner. On time, good job, and very reasonable. He is very fair and is an excellent craftsman.

John


I'll give a second on Jim Bone. He gave me an initial estimate. When he got into the job he found a hidden problem and called me to discuss options. We decided on an option that met my needs and only cost me an extra 130. All agreed to up front.

The finish quality was excellent and he got it done a week ahead of schedule. He also compounded out some stains and oxidation on my hull as a courtesy.