Ocvean conditions
The South African Coast Guard equivalent did a brief study of Surf Ski colors in the ocean, from the perspective of a rescue helicopter. White skis were hard to pick out as they blended into the white caps. A red ski srtood out and was much more visible.
Another suggestion made in that particluar article was a shiny , reflective space balnket for use as a reflector in ann emergency, when you need to be found.
I use reflective tape on my surf ski, but for use on the trailer, in traffic, while towing to launch sites. It seems to make it a little more visible under some conditions on the water, but that’s just an added benefit, not the primary reason for the reflective tape.
more to boat color than I thought
I appreciate the information so far. I’m surprised to learn many new considerations beyond the obvious. It’s good to see that if I prioritize safety, that there are aspects beyond boat color alone to work with. It’s good to know that if I go for looks, some colors have consequences I never would have thought of. While now there is more to consider, I know I will make an informed decision on my new spring boat that won’t have me wondering in hindsight.
Yellow every time for me, thanks.
I paddle primarily in the San Francisco Bay with countless other ships, ferries, fishing boats and pleasure craft, and have seen first-hand how skippers avoid me like the pleague in my bright yellow boak. lol!
Even in heavy seas you can tell when they spot you and veer away.
The down side is that sometimes I like to paddle where I’m not sure I’m supposed to be (under the piers). At those times I wish I had a hull that could change colors at the touch of a button. (wouldn’t that be nice?).
As for wildlife, I’ve never had a problem getting close in a bright boat.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/BlueBuellFool/067.jpg
-T
What about the new LL Black Ops Colors?
I am the OP, and had since bought a new natural tan colored boat. The next one I have my eye on though is the Liquid Logic Black Ops colors with green and black, sort of like a racy camo look? (see link below) Someone said, though here, that dark colored boats can get hotter in temperature. I wonder if hot enough to warp boat if pinched on the roof tie downs? This has happened to me with an older boat with a softer material than I think they make now.
Check out Black Ops link here, curious to know what folks think about it?:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.210419978990983.58202.167007523332229#!/photo.php?fbid=210420015657646&set=a.210419978990983.58202.167007523332229&type=1&theater