Anonymous asked this question on 5/22/2000:

We have just bought an older 17 ft. aluminum fishing boat. We would like to repaint it. What prep work do we need to do? and what kind of paint is better to use?

WWW8 gave this response on 5/23/2000:

RE-PAINTING YOUR ALUMINUM BOAT Good question;If you have a good coat of paint now and only want to change the color,you should be able to scuff it up with 360 grit sandpaper and repaint it with Petit EasyPoxy{tm},or something similar.All paint and materials I tell you about should be available at any marine retailer or maybe at a local NAPA store;any problems,E-mail me @:waterwheelmarine@hotmail.com.and I'll try to find some other sources. If your craft doesn't have a good coat of paint now you will need to sand or wire brush your surface and [BE SURE YOU USE A STAINLESS STEEL WIRE BRUSH ON ALUMINUM HULL......NOT A STEEL WIRE BRUSH........After surface is cleaned & sanded,use a ZINC-CHROMATE primer{such as Petit Seaworthy8102(tm).After that dries, repaint with Petit EasyPoxy color of your choice. Petit Or Interlux brands are both good marine paints and easily available at Marine stores. Again;be sure to use a primer with zinc-chromate and don't use a steel wire brush.Do this to prevent galvanic corrosion. Have fun and don't catch all the fish. Wayne W.W.