Ceramic coating?

[Twist]

What's the wisdom on here about ceramic coatings on boats? I'm very happy with the result on our car which we had done when brand new. My Freedom 275 has had one season on it with just normal wash downs. I'm wondering if the expense results in a more maintenance free and easy cleaning result.

 

[seasick]

I think the only way to compare is to dunk your car in salt or brackish water, let it sit for a week or so and then see how it cleans up

OK, seriously, to me clear coat is not gel coat. Sea water is not rain water.
Some of the application of ceramic coatings I have read about cost a lot of money. A lot!
I don't know what you get for what price?

 

[Airslot1]

We had our new Worldcat 295 done last year. It was around 4k for a 30' boat. Cleanup was a breeze all season. Between that, and the spot zero mini, it was just a rinse and go most days. We fished it pretty hard last year. Just got it back from having a "recharge" done for 1k, which included a spring detail. It's crazy how easy it makes cleanup, if done right.

 

[Hookup1]

I painted my boat hull, aluminum tower, hardtop and console bubble three years ago with AwlGrip AwlCraft 2000. They recommend their wash and sealer. This has worked out well. Good as the day I did it. Wax is bad-it clogs pores and yellows. The sealer doesn’t react that way.

Are these “magic” ceramic coats any better? I’m not sure.

 

[ROBERTH]

I switched over from the synthetic and normal waxes to ceramic last year. The difference is night and day. The ceramic was easy to apply, not real expensive. Only some of the topsides where a lot of exposure needs to be re-polished, prepped and re-applied to go another season. Working on that now. So the test was it lasted all spring/summer/fall in full sun before I winterized and covered for the winter season.
The areas where still glossy, will clean/prep and apply a new coat.
I am using the Nano Bond from Amazon and for the price, it blows away the waxes for durability and ease of application. That is my experience. I have no affiliations, just elbow grease and research on how to prep and apply.

Key note, after polishing, wipe down with clean microfiber towels with alcohol, then wipe on the ceramic and wipe off, per instructions. That's it. I am getting too old to keep polishing a full boat every season, so happy with this product so far.