different paints different prep
Different paints take different preps. If you are using the same type of paint, prep is a sure light sanding and apply, provided there is good adhesion. Some paints can be put on others if they are solid with good adhesion. They require light to heavy sanding. Soft sloughing paints and vinyls should be removed if you are changing paints. There is a pretty good guide for this determination in the West Marine 2000 catalog on page 319. It also explains the paints. Talk to some owners in the area you will be floating your boat and find out what problems are the worst( algae, slime, grass, crustaceans). Each paint has it's pluses. Once you determine the problems it will narrow the bottom paint. The talk to boaters about which type works in your area. It also matters if you pull the boat for extended periods . Some paints work great the first year but over the winter the paint dries out and becomes ineffective. My preferences are Micron extra and Pettit ACP-50. These seem to work well under varied conditions. They work year to year if they end up on the hard for long periods. r.w.landau
