Ceramic coating for boats

For a boat that lives outside or in salt water, usually yes, if the gelcoat is in good shape or gets restored first. Cleaning gets easier and the finish fades more slowly. On a boat with heavy oxidation, budget for compounding before any coating.

Yes, on a small boat if you can wet-sand or compound gelcoat and work out of direct sun. Most owners of larger boats pay a specialist because the prep is hours of machine polishing at awkward angles.

Shorter than on a car. Salt, sun and constant water are harder on it, so expect the maker's rating to be optimistic for a boat kept in the water, and plan on a maintenance spray between washes.