Mbd...the topsides were painted.A little history.....#50 was derilect and abandoned a Brewers boat yard in LI NY.She had soft decks but decent sails , so their painter took her on as a personal project.He did the decks and paint . He sailed her for a couple of years until a real windy day and his wife and new young son put an end to sailboats.One thing to another and I bought her.The inside and systems had not been done .The name 'revival' was her redemption from the crusher...now the "revival" is getting closer to completion.The message here.....don't let old Ariels go to the crusher.....they are special and can not be replaced. Anything new that compares is $90000 plus !!