I enjoy boats also. Yes, if you are making a scale hydro you will paint it for sure. Actually a scale any boat. Painting it would certainly personalize it so COOL do it. Might I suggest that before you paint it print up a label with you name, address, phone, E-mail, AMA # whatever and epoxy it into the box somewhere, paint it but tape over your label. It might deter theft and assist in recovery if lost. Just a thought.

Bill