Paint for boat?

[jhick88]

Hey guys I have a question that hopefully someone can help me out with, I need to repaint an aluminum boat thaI recently purchased, my question is this: do I need to sand the original paint off and start from the bare aluminum finish or is it ok to paint right over the top of the original paint? and my next question is what is the best kind of paint for this type of project? spray paint or roll on paint? any help would be appreciated, I have considered the duck boat paint from cabelas but am not too sure if there is a cheaper way to do it.
thanks in advance emoBang

 

[groomer1a]

Years ago (20?) I rebuilt a flatbottom. I just sanded any peel spots smooth. I then primered it with a good aluminum marine primer then sanded lightly again and used a marine paint that was compatible with the primer. I was told at the time that I should not strip it down to the metal because it would have to be retreated and etched before the paint and primer would stick. I am not an expert in metal finishing but I had the boat for 2 years after and when I sold it it still looked good. I don't remember what paint and primer I used at the time but and good marine paint will work. I had painted mine a dark brown with a cocoa brown carpet.

 

[jhick88]

Thanks for the information, that is kinda what I was thinking as well, since the paint that is on it now (what is left that is!)seems to be sticking good I thought I would just rough it up a little and paint over it.