Al that’s a good idea! I’m wanting to put snaps/cover on boat also I’ve just not convinced myself yet because of all the extra hole’s needed in boat for snaps.

I could see how clear coat would require an additional step when trying to repair some damage, that being applying an additional coat of paint, clear. As for the benefit of a clear film on the vinyl, I think it adds depth to the finish and, hopefully, adds some UV protection for the ink underneath. To address the UV issue, I made a skirt for each side of the boat today that completely covers the sides. A pretty cool feature is that I used what are called gypsy studs for the snaps. They enable me to snap the skirt onto the same snaps as the cover uses and have a male end vs a cap so I can snap the cover over the skirt. I can use the cover w/o the skirt if so desired. Best of both worlds, imho. I'll post a pic if there's any interest.

It was a good idea to go to a sign maker.

  I purchased my boat primarily because it has a 30hp. Tohatsu with only 84 hours on it. The boat, motor and trailer only cost a $1000 more than the book value of the motor. I paid the seller half of what he put into it. That is what happens when you buy a motor that cost twice the cost of the boat.  I couldn't find a used four stroke anywhere.  I'd prefer a Vagabond to my Ranger. If someone had a nicely restored polished Vagabond, I'd buy it and mount the Tohatsu on it. 

Thanks for the words of caution. I'm not enthusiastic about painting but it but I think it may be too rough to look good polished. I've watched countless videos but my initial efforts have not been encouraging. I'm going to try again this week. Painting is not my first choice. There is a professional polisher in my area. I'm going to ask him if he thinks the boat is suitable for polishing.

 

AL the guy that sold me the paint sells it for vintage outboard motors. He recommended to me not to clear coat I asked why? He said when the paint is scratched or damaged it’s easier to sand out and just touch up with paint again rather than remover clear coat fix paint then clear coat again. I’ve already got dock rash on paint ..
obviously different application than wrap you did but certainly curious how your clear film works out over wrap definitely let us know. When I spoke to syd last year about parts and paint he said he’d wrap before paint any day because he’s been through paint process.
I think to make anything pretty there’s elbow grease involved so if one day i acquire another it’s going to be shinny aluminum 

I gave serious consideration to painting my gold Vagabond II before deciding to have it vinyl wrapped instead. I bought the necessary tools and watched countless videos before discovering that every supplier of vinyl was out of what I wanted, woodgrain. I ended up having a sign maker do it. In addition to being spared the frustration associated with the learning experience of application, the sign maker was able to print the exact color of woodgrain that I wanted and their vinyl includes an additional layer of clear vinyl on top of the printed vinyl. I'm giving serious consideration to getting my blue Vagabond II wrapped as well. If I do, I'm leaning towards trying to match the original color. 
I realize the 1st scratch is going to be a heartbreaker but am hopeful that it might be possible to remove and recover the scratched area. No harm in trying.
Good luck with whatever route you choose.  

I have to agree just because I was so paranoid about scratching my boats. That’s one reason I no longer own them. Almost trashed the Jetstreak at a concrete ramp/dock in Fla.

Brunswickian

i used..

self etching primer 
acrylic enamel with hardener 

now that I’ve painted I don’t want to again!! 
I personally don’t know what I was think when I decided to but dedicate to it over 10 yrs ago when I splashed primer on boat. 
If your hearts not set on paint I’d reconsider.

I've no experience so just some random thoughts.
Fix any leaks first and seal all seams.
Repair all dents and imperfections. (They will show up worse with new paint)
Consider a flex agent in the paint.
Consider a satin finish.
Dock rash will happen.

Beautiful. That is a really deep blue.