Any regrets with the dark blue hull? They are certainly beautiful.....
I agree w/ the other comments re: blue hulls.
I originally thought paint was inferior to gelcoat but I have changed my opinion.
All of the later model Mainships (and possibly all but I'm not positive) were done w/ Awlcraft (Awlgrip product but slightly different chemistry & workability than the Awlgrip finish).
The blue does show water spots but it is not hard to wash / rinse them and a little vinegar in a spray bottle helps.
If you do go w/ painted - search & read the posts and Awlgrip website on care recommendations. There is a lot of good info and it is readily available...
I have done a few touch ups w/ an airbrush and really pleased w/ the results.
With the help of a friends we just finished a fiberglass repair & paint touch-up. I am very pleased w/ the ability to patch & match the paint - color match was excellent and the Awlcraft was easy to work with. I have a slight haze that needs to be fine sanded & rubbed out after full curing but it is barely noticeable as sprayed.
IMO - I don't think a professional could do as good a patch / match job w/ aged gelcoat and I wouldn't attempt it as an amateur.
I wouldn't avoid a painted hull boat and if you like the looks (which I also do) I'd recommend it vs gelcoat.
If you go painted search & read the posts & Awlgrip website re: care of painted hulls it is different than gelcoat.