The initial positioning of the boat on the sawhorses isn't important, although it may be easier if the bottom of the boat is on the sawhorses, with the inside area of the boat facing up. Sand the boat completely. This step is necessary only if you're repainting an aluminum boat that had a previous coat of paint.
The best paint for an aluminum hull boat is one that adherestenaciously to the aluminum, while providing friction reduction forincreased speed and lower fuel consumption. I encourage boat ownersto apply a primer coat for increased durability and for a strongchemical bond with the aluminum substrate. A friction reducing, lowdrag, hydrophobic topcoat is ideal for most aluminum hulledboats.In my experience, the best primer and topcoat for aluminumhulled boats are manufactured by Wearlon, a company out of NY. Easyto apply and touch up, with low VOC and a water based formulationso there are no worries about cuprous oxide and the EPA. Yourmarina will get off your back while applying these products,because there is no risk of water quality issues.
![Best Bottom Paint For Aluminum Boat Best Bottom Paint For Aluminum Boat](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125465233/184403291.jpg)
Wearlon productscan be found at the link below.
If you're painting over bare aluminum and not a layer of sound paint, you'll have to prime it or the paint will peel off. If it's over paint, scuff it as mentioned above, and Rustoleum is probably your most cost-effective and widely available paint.Kev, when did you paint yours and how is it holding up?I painted mine almost a year ago, and heres a crease in my hull from the infamous trailer launch into a cow pasture.The crease is from it rubbing on the bow stop as it flew over it.I say it's pretty damn durable!