Easy but attractive update

TitanTn

Active Member
Jul 12, 2015
386
Chattanooga, TN
Boat Info
1986 Saltare, 1998 400 Express
Engines
454 direct drive; twin 3116TA
I have always felt like the gold Sea Ray emblems on my 400EX have given the boat a dated look. Plus there's just nothing else much that's gold on the outside of the boat (the interior is a different story). I kept putting off this update because I wasn't sure if I'd be any happier with the chrome, but after doing it, I'm thrilled. It has got to be the easiest mod I've ever done and it looks great - to me anyway. Pictures before and after attached.
 

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You do know that gold is making a comeback, right? ;)

But I know what you mean - sometimes the little things can really make a difference!
 
much nicer!
 
You do know that gold is making a comeback, right? ;)
Well if it does, then my interior is ready to go!

On the exterior the only other gold item is the shifter knobs. There's so much stainless around the radar arch that I really like the chrome there.
 
I found those logos to be dirt catchers that made detailing the arch difficult. I owned a 300 Weekender that had a similar logo that was a vinyl decal. It was simple and easy to polish and wax over. I considered removing the raised logos from my 370 Express altogether and filling the holes but sold the boat before getting around to that project.
 
Well if it does, then my interior is ready to go!

On the exterior the only other gold item is the shifter knobs. There's so much stainless around the radar arch that I really like the chrome there.
Yeah, I did the same thing a few years back. I used a slightly different logo - the ones that the newer boats used - sort of a "raised gel" type thing. Did the interior knobs, too. Even changed the pinstriping to black and pewter/silver. But you're right - the little things make a difference.
 
I found those logos to be dirt catchers that made detailing the arch difficult. I owned a 300 Weekender that had a similar logo that was a vinyl decal. It was simple and easy to polish and wax over. I considered removing the raised logos from my 370 Express altogether and filling the holes but sold the boat before getting around to that project.
Yeah, I had a 300 Weekender also with the vinyl decal. Easier to clean for sure, but the look is not nearly as elegant as the raised logos. The ones I removed have been on the boat since 1998 and I don't see that they held much dirt - very little in fact. Worst case scenario I can peel these off and apply some new ones for cheap.
 
Yeah, I had a 300 Weekender also with the vinyl decal. Easier to clean for sure, but the look is not nearly as elegant as the raised logos. The ones I removed have been on the boat since 1998 and I don't see that they held much dirt - very little in fact. Worst case scenario I can peel these off and apply some new ones for cheap.
How do you polish and wax the arch without getting residue in the logo? How much time does it take to clean them when detailing?
 
You do know that gold is making a comeback, right? ;)

It cannot be the same "gold" as designers never make it that easy. LOL

A few years ago we were told shag was back too. Not! Maybe in magazines in a few designer homes but not for the rest of us.

In reality the purveyors of taste went to the well too early and often, as in mens tie widths and skirt lengths for the ladies. A man can wear any tie width or skirt length for that matter (LMAO!!!) in the real world and no one even notices if it is in fashion.

I think we are safely in style if we like what we have. I am getting rid of the gold and going brushed nickel on our new boat. We had the gold for 10 years, time for something new.

MM
 
I have always felt like the gold Sea Ray emblems on my 400EX have given the boat a dated look. Plus there's just nothing else much that's gold on the outside of the boat (the interior is a different story). I kept putting off this update because I wasn't sure if I'd be any happier with the chrome, but after doing it, I'm thrilled. It has got to be the easiest mod I've ever done and it looks great - to me anyway. Pictures before and after attached.

Looks good, I did that 10 years ago to my 270. Then 4 years ago I got rid of the sun Sundancer logo and did the block black raised logo. It so updated the look.

MM
 
I found those logos to be dirt catchers that made detailing the arch difficult. I owned a 300 Weekender that had a similar logo that was a vinyl decal. It was simple and easy to polish and wax over. I considered removing the raised logos from my 370 Express altogether and filling the holes but sold the boat before getting around to that project.

FWIW those raised emblems are attached with 2 faced adhesive tape. No holes to be filled if you decide to remove them.
 
Yeah, I did the same thing a few years back. I used a slightly different logo - the ones that the newer boats used - sort of a "raised gel" type thing. Did the interior knobs, too. Even changed the pinstriping to black and pewter/silver. But you're right - the little things make a difference.

Yes, Dennis is the guy I copied on my 270. Thanks for the idea!!! I am now removing the old school Cruisers logo and replacing with the raised chrome insignia's and lettering, similar to the Sea Ray the OP changed. It will look so much more updated with them.

I have been asked several times how old my 270 is and people are shocked to hear 21 years old. Shiny and updated looks great.

MM
 
How do you polish and wax the arch without getting residue in the logo? How much time does it take to clean them when detailing?

I'm just careful in applying. It hasn't been an issue. And time to clean the logos? No time at all - it's just a wipe.
 

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