paint ?

[floridacracker178]

Im thinking about repainting a 1971 22'2 i just got that has gel coat on it. Has anyone ever used the valspar duramax on there boats? I have heard it was good strong paint. I wanna do inside and out. How much do i have to sand the gel just scuff or all the way off and the bottom paint same. Thanks for any advice.

[gman 82 aquasport]

Haven't used the Valspar paint, but a few things to keep in mind, does the boat set in the water for periods of time(2-3 days at a time) trailered or stored on a rack? These things will say a lot as to how the paint holds up. As far as prep, you will want to get the bottom paint off( recommend soda blasting, had my 19-6 done a month ago and it was done in 6 hours, saved a bunch of time) you will need to de-wax the gelcoat then sand with at least 120 grit if not a little harsher, depending on the paint manufacturer recommendations. Just finished giving mine 3 coats of Pettit epoxy primer and 2 coats of Pettit bottom paint(epoxy).

[floridacracker178]

I just looked at it and i think its just paint i really cant tell. It stays on trailer only in water when we use it.

[gman 82 aquasport]

With the boat not staying in the water unless being used, you should be ok with any good boat paint. I still would have the bottom paint removed and see how the gel coat looks under it(blisters, dings, etc). I used Pettit paint on the bottom and the sides were done 3 years ago with brightsides( Carolina blue) above the water line, the inside of the hull is Brightsides white.