Painting my Boat

[Goatboy]

THis may seem like a stupid question but keep in mind that it's my first ever boat.

I have a 22 ft Starcraft Islander 221V aluminum. I was thinking of having it repainted. Some people are telling me to just bring it into a body shop and have them paint it with some marine paint. Others say I need a gel coat. Still some say I can just use auto paint?

Can I use a good Carnuba wax on it to just shine it up? Some peaple say not to wax the hull as it will slow it down others say it deosnot matter!

I need some professional sugestions

HELP!!!

[fish-on]

Auto paint and clear coat it, You'll be fine. I have the same boat, It was painted with auto paint.

[MCF]

as a new boat owner, a couple tips. Aluminum boats do not have gelcoat, as stated above, auto paint is fine or you can look on this page below for the gentleman who re-did the Crestliner last winter for tips, plus there are a few others. If it is not too far gone, wax may bring it back enough, try a small section and see.

[Goatboy]

Thanks

[Brian]

When we are painting aluminum, if has been previously painted we wet sand with 400 grit and use automotive base/clear system. If it is bare aluminum, the aluminum is scuffed then sprayed with a self etching primer, then base/clear.