Boero Yacht Coatings, part of Gruppo Boero’s yachting division, has unveiled the Challengerpro paint system. The manufacturer describes the product as a complete coating system that encompasses all layers, from the primer to the topcoat. Marcus Reynolds, Senior Brand & Product Manager of the Yachting Division at Gruppo Boero, explains that Challengerpro is based on years of research. Gruppo Boero invests around three per cent of its turnover in research and development. The company employs more than 40 specialists at a 1,850-square-metre development facility.
Challengerpro Fusion as the flagship product
The flagship product of the new range is Challengerpro Fusion. This is a polyurethane topcoat with a high-gloss finish. The paint utilises a polyester binder (a substance that binds the colour pigments together and fixes them to the surface). This binder works in conjunction with Boero’s acrylic-based colour-matching system. The manufacturer promises a mirror-like finish that is designed to withstand even extreme marine environments. According to Boero, the formulation is designed to offer abrasion resistance and maintain its gloss and colour over the long term. Users can choose from a range of thinners to adapt the application time to shipyard schedules. This flexibility in application allows for adaptation to varying temperatures and humidity levels.
Paint mixing system with a wide range of colours
The Challengermix system forms the basis for colour matching. It utilises digital colour technology and is designed to enable precise colour matching. The system comprises 64 colour shades, six binders, three hardeners, six thinners, two clear coats and three special additives. According to the manufacturer, these components can be used to create more than 245,000 different colour formulas. The combinations are spread across six different product grades. This allows every customer to choose a bespoke colour for their vessel. The mixing system is designed to deliver consistent results, regardless of where in the world the paint is mixed. According to Boero, the digital control system guarantees that the same colour code always produces an identical result.
Pureprotection as our core promise
Boero markets the system under the name Pureprotection. By this, the manufacturer means protection of the paint surface against salt water, UV radiation and mechanical stress. The coating is designed to protect the underlying materials from corrosion and weathering. The durability of the surface plays a particularly important role on superyachts, as repainting is time-consuming and expensive. According to Boero, the Challengerpro system is designed to extend the intervals between maintenance work. The combination of aesthetic appeal and technical functionality is at the heart of the product’s development.
The Gruppo Boero’s economic development
In 2024, Gruppo Boero achieved a turnover of over 140 million euros. This represents a 20 per cent increase on the previous year. The company employs around 500 staff. Since February 2021, Gruppo Boero has been part of CIN Coatings, a Portuguese company and market leader in paints and coatings on the Iberian Peninsula. Through this affiliation, Boero has positioned itself as a leading Italian group in the paint sector. The company has an integrated management system certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. These standards govern quality management, environmental management and occupational health and safety.
Technical specifications:
- Challengermix colour system: 64 shades
- Binding agent: 6 different types
- Hardener: 3 variants
- Thinner: 6 options
- Clear varnishes: 2 versions
- Available colours: over 245,000
- Staff: around 500
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
