If you're reading this, you might already be working with me on your next custom boat. Or maybe you're imagining your dream boat, or you're just curious about how these things are made. In any case, welcome to my musings.
There is a TL;DR at the end so scroll down for the synopsis if you don't want a one way chat. (I won't take it personally.)
I have been designing boats since 2007 when I asked my most computer-savvy friend to help me illegally download Adobe Illustrator to come up with designs for some friends on the National Team. Since then, a lot has changed both with my design skills (don't come for me Adobe- I started paying many years ago!) and with Nelo's design processes.
The possibilities for design have expanded greatly as Nelo has invested in new technology. Our idea of an elaborate design has also changed dramatically. I will never forget the iconic white and red polka dot K1 of Em Fournel powering down the canal in Florida. That boat was one of the first designs to open Canadians' minds to what boat design could be, but would be considered very simple compared to the extravagant boats we see now. (Shout out to Lachine for recreating the polka dots on their newest Nelo K2!)
Now, with more possibilities, come more choices, both aesthetically and practically.
Painted Designs
Painted designs extend all the way around the boat, underneath the waterline. They are done by having a base of primer, then a painted finish to create the design, followed by a matte varnish. The boat is baked in ovens to cure the varnish and make the surface super smooth and hard. (Shiny finish can be chosen, but is not the latest technology and will not be as tough of a finish.)
These are more fragile and the paint job is not covered under Nelo's warranty. If you're someone who carefully carries your boat, watches for sticks in the water, and gently puts it down at the dock, you'll probably be fine. If you're more likely to turn a little too early leaving the boathouse and oops bump the tail, or whoopsie knock the dock while putting it in the water, you might end up with some chips you're not thrilled about.
These chips can be repaired, but boat repairs are not always easy to arrange, can be expensive, and very rarely are totally invisible, even by the best in the biz. Keep this in mind especially if you live in an area without a reputable sprint boat repair person available.
When ordering a painted design, remember that an actual human being has to recreate the artwork from our computer rendering. And I have to say, the painters at the Nelo factory are incredible. They're unbelievably talented and get remarkably close to our designs, but they're humans, not printers! Small differences are inevitable, especially with freehand details like realistic flames or lightning.
Painted designs are available on SCS only.
Some examples:
Vinyl Designs
The sky is the limit as far as the intricacy of these designs because they are printed out from a computer. The big limiter is that they have to stay on the deck only. This is not to be a buzz kill, it is to ensure that every part of the boat that is below the water line is perfectly smooth. That makes the boat fast, which is what we are all here for, right? right??
Typically these vinyl designs are then varnished on top, and look very integrated into the boat. If you're worried about it looking like a sticker, fear not. However, there is the option to not varnish on top if you're looking for a temporary design. That way the vinyl can actually be removed to show the solid colour underneath if you choose. This is nice if you want something very personalized to you, but don't want to have to sell the boat with the personalization, or if you want something but aren't sure you want to commit long term to it. The down side is that is looks less integrated to the boat (more like a thin, large sticker) and the durability is lower than if there is varnish on top to seal it.
Sometimes we hear "deck only" and we think that it won't have a big effect. Keep in mind that when the boat is in use, others will mostly see the deck since the hull is almost entirely hidden by the water, and when you're paddling you can only see the deck. Depending on the design, even a deck only design can have a huge impact.
These are now available on almost all constructions! (Designs aren't just for SCS anymore baby!)
Gel Coat Designs
These are the simplest of the simple. Think 1 single section of a different colour, or a super simple stripe, nothing wild. I will always check with the factory if they can do a gel coat design before submitting, as it is up to them on a case by case basis. These designs are not as prone to chipping like a painted design, because the design is carried right down to the carbon. These should also be on the deck only, and are only available on SCS construction.
After almost 20 years and hundreds of boat designs, I've learned a lot about what works and what doesn't. If you spot a custom Nelo in Canada, there's a very good chance that design started on my computer screen. I've learned to balance all the fun creative stuff with the practical realities of how boats are made, and I love working with people to find that perfect combination for them. Whether you want something totally wild or beautifully simple, we'll figure it out together. And for the record, after designing so many boats for other people, I've always paddled a plain one myself. The irony is not lost on me.
See more about the custom design process and pre-made designs, and my portfolio
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TL;DR:
|
Design Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
Painted |
Full-boat designs, including below the waterline. Smooth, premium finish. |
More prone to chipping, expensive to repair, SCS only. Hand-painted by incredibly talented artists, but may not perfectly match the digital rendering. |
|
Vinyl |
Nearly unlimited design possibilities, durable when varnished, can be removable if left unvarnished. |
Deck only; unvarnished designs look more like stickers and are less durable. |
|
Gel Coat |
Very durable and less prone to chipping because the colour extends right down to the carbon. |
Simple designs only (think basic stripes or colour blocks). Deck only, SCS only, and subject to factory approval. |
Key takeaways:
-
Best for elaborate designs: Vinyl, especially with varnish.
-
Best for full-boat customization: Painted designs on SCS only, but expect greater maintenance.
Bottom line: Vinyl offers the best balance of creativity, durability, and practicality for most buyers. Painted designs offer the most freedom for full-boat coverage but require extra care, while gel coat may be possible for simple, durable deck designs.