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Ceramic Coating

Stop Waxing Every Month. Real Protection That Actually Lasts.

Marine ceramic coating that chemically bonds to your gel coat, not a layer that washes away in weeks. 12-24 months of protection against UV, salt, and oxidation. One application. Done.

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Why Ceramic Coating Changes Everything

You bought your boat to use it. Instead, you're spending weekends waxing the hull, watching that wax fade in a matter of weeks, then waxing again. Salt, sun, and water strip traditional wax away faster than you can reapply it. It's an endless cycle that keeps you on the dock instead of on the water.

Ceramic coating breaks that cycle. When I apply it, the coating chemically bonds to your gel coat. It becomes part of your boat's skin, not just a layer sitting on top waiting to wash away.

I use Starke ceramic products with a stacked application: Repel Pro base coat soaks deep into the gel coat pores, then I seal everything with Thor or Kraken Graphene top coat. For boats used regularly, expect 12-24 months of protection with Thor, or 12-24 months with Kraken Graphene. How you store and maintain your boat affects longevity, and I'll give you honest expectations based on your specific usage.

The first time water hits your coated hull, you'll see the difference. Instead of spreading and sticking, it beads up and rolls off, taking dirt and salt with it. That's real protection you can see working.

What Ceramic Coating Actually Does

Real protection, not marketing claims

UV Protection

Blocks UV rays that cause gel coat to fade and chalk. Your boat stays looking newer, longer. No more watching that deep shine turn into a dull haze over a single season.

Hydrophobic Surface

Water beads up and rolls off instead of spreading. Salt, grime, and bird droppings don't bond to the surface. Cleaning becomes a quick rinse instead of a scrubbing session.

Oxidation Resistance

The sealed surface prevents oxygen and moisture from attacking the gel coat. No more watching chalky oxidation creep across your hull season after season.

Chemical Resistance

Stands up to fuel, fish blood, and harsh marina conditions. Spills wipe off instead of etching into your finish. Protection where it matters.

Reduced Maintenance

Stop the wax-wash-repeat cycle. With ceramic, regular washes keep it looking great. I recommend a ceramic maintenance spray after each wash to extend the coating's life.

Enhanced Gloss

Ceramic adds depth and clarity to your gel coat. It's not just protection. Your boat will look better than it did before, with that wet, just-detailed shine that lasts.

How I Apply Ceramic Coating

1

Inspection & Assessment

I start by examining your gel coat under proper lighting. Looking for oxidation, scratches, water spots, and any damage that needs addressing. This determines what prep work is required before coating.

2

Decontamination

Full wash to remove surface contaminants. Chemical decontamination to pull out embedded particles. Clay bar treatment if needed. The surface has to be perfectly clean for the coating to bond properly.

3

Full Correction

Ceramic coating locks in whatever is underneath. Every boat gets full correction: Level R heavy compound removes oxidation, Elevate refines the surface to a swirl-free finish. Severe oxidation may require wet sanding before compounding. After correction, IPA wipe and Triple P ceramic prep polish maximize coating adhesion. Glass polished, metals polished, outboard cowlings corrected.

4

Ceramic Prep

IPA wipedown removes polishing oils and residue. Then Triple P prep polish bonds resin silicas into the gel coat to improve ceramic adhesion. Any contamination between the gel coat and coating will compromise the bond.

5

Ceramic Stack Application

Repel Pro base coat applied first - it soaks deep into the gelcoat pores. Then your choice of top coat: Thor or Kraken Graphene. Each section is leveled before moving on. Temperature and humidity matter here. I don't rush this step.

6

Cure Time

The coating needs time to cure before water exposure. I'll give you specific instructions on when it's safe to get wet and how to maintain it going forward.

Ceramic Coating Packages

Full Correction + Ceramic Coating. Ceramic coating doesn't hide problems, it seals them in. Every boat gets full correction first, then multi-coat ceramic for lasting protection.

Standard & Premium

Ceramic Coating

Full Correction + Multi-Coat Ceramic Protection

Every ceramic package starts with full correction matched to your boat's condition. Then professional ceramic prep, surface decontamination, and multi-coat ceramic application.

Ceramic coating is an add-on to a Buff & Restore L3 or Full Restoration detail package. The detail includes full correction to prep the surface. Then I apply the ceramic stack: IPA wipe, Triple P ceramic prep, Repel Pro base coat, and Thor or Kraken topper.

Choice of Liquid Thor (12-24 months) or Liquid Kraken graphene (12-24 months, ~50% less water spotting).

Standard with Thor

$4,500 - $5,500

12-24 months protection

  • Full correction per condition
  • Multi-coat ceramic on gelcoat
  • Smooth surfaces coated
  • Full boat detail included

Standard with Kraken

$3,000 - $4,600

12-24 months protection

  • Full correction per condition
  • Multi-coat graphene ceramic
  • ~50% less water spotting
  • Full boat detail included

Premium with Thor

$3,400 - $5,000

12-24 months, ALL surfaces

  • Full correction per condition
  • Ceramic on ALL surfaces
  • Glass, non-skid, metals, T-top, rub rails
  • Full boat detail included

Premium with Kraken

$3,600 - $5,400

12-24 months, ALL surfaces

  • Full correction per condition
  • Graphene ceramic on ALL surfaces
  • ~50% less water spotting
  • Full boat detail included

What Affects Your Price

  • Boat size (larger boats = more surface area = more product and time)
  • Current condition (severe oxidation may require wet sanding first)
  • Gel coat color (darker colors show more and need more attention)
  • Access and location (marina vs. driveway vs. lift)

Prices shown are for a 25' boat. I quote after inspection so you know exactly what you're paying for. No surprises, no hidden fees. The quote is the quote.

Ceramic vs. Traditional Protection

Traditional Wax Sealant Ceramic Coating
Durability 2-4 weeks 3-6 months 12-24 months
UV Protection Minimal Moderate Superior
Hydrophobic Effect Weak Moderate Extreme
Scratch Resistance None Minimal 9H hardness
Maintenance Required Frequent reapplication Regular reapplication Periodic wash + spray

Common Questions

How long does boat ceramic coating last?

For boats used regularly, expect 12-24 months with Thor, or 12-24 months with Kraken Graphene. Lightly used boats or those kept covered can see longer life. The exact duration depends on how often the boat is in the water, sun exposure, and whether you maintain it with ceramic-safe wash products.

Is ceramic coating worth it for boats?

For most boat owners, yes. Ceramic coating dramatically reduces maintenance time and effort. Water, salt, and grime slide off instead of bonding to the gel coat. You spend less time cleaning and more time on the water. It also protects against UV damage and oxidation, which can save thousands in restoration costs down the road.

What's the difference between Thor and Kraken?

Thor is an SiO2/TiO2 ceramic that provides excellent protection for gelcoat and cowlings at a lower price point. Kraken Graphene is the professional standard - it covers all surfaces including nonskid, vinyl, and plastic, and comes with Reboot maintenance spray. Kraken also offers slightly longer protection (12-24 months vs 12-24 months).

Does the boat need to be corrected before ceramic coating?

Yes, always. Ceramic coating locks in whatever is underneath. Every boat gets full correction: Level R heavy compound removes oxidation, then Elevate medium polish refines the surface. IPA wipe cleans off polishing oils, then Triple P prep polish bonds resin silicas into the gel coat for maximum ceramic adhesion.

How long does the application take?

For a 25-30 foot boat, expect 4-5 days. Full correction takes time, and I don't rush ceramic application because proper technique and curing time matter for longevity.

Learn More About Ceramic Coating

Ceramic Coating for Boats: What You Need to Know

How ceramic coating protects your gel coat and makes maintenance easier.

Read Article

Boat Wax vs Sealant vs Ceramic: Which Is Right for You?

Compare protection options and find the right fit for your boat and budget.

Read Article

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Dock-Ready Guarantee

When I'm done, if anything isn't right, I come back and fix it. No charge, no argument. The job isn't done until you're happy with every surface.

Ceramic jobs include a coating warranty. If the coating fails under normal maintenance within the warranty period, I re-apply it.

Ready to Protect Your Investment?

Tell me about your boat and I'll give you an honest assessment of what it needs. No pressure, no upselling. Just straight talk about what makes sense for your situation.

Currently booking 2-3 weeks out. Peak season fills fast. Secure your spot now.

Get Your Free Assessment (302) 853-2853 jacob@catalystmarineservices.com

Starke Certified Installer | Mobile Service | Ocean City, MD & Eastern Shore

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