I like your attention to detail on the painting - the perfection of the paint is to have the right balance of imperfection because if it were too perfect it would not look like it was a hand crafted boat. Brilliant and beautiful work Bob! Thanks for sharing.
You can buy a tungsten block from automotive paint supply stores for that scraping process. You should also keep your hands off the primer once you have cleaned it. The oils from your skin can cause adhesion problems.
Light grey will only stand out when/if docked next to a bright white boat. By itself, I think your right that most will think it's just an off white. I like your choice here as an individualistic look/color.
Consider this question; If you had to sail one of your sculptures across the water what would you have to do to make them functional and float? .....(Please make that boat next.) :)
You have a wicked eye for curves sir! (love the curved metal wall art) In episode 1, you said you can see the boat in your sculptures. With your talents and skill, I am truly excited to see the sculpture in your boats!