paint selection for aluminum bass boat

[stinkbait85]

i have been looking at all the different types of paint for boats and i just can't see spending $300 for paint as i am a new father and money is.......well......slim. i do alot of fishing in shallow and rocky rivers and my boat, at times, takes a beating, especially during a showdown(catfish tourney). i am toying with the idea of painting it with tractor enamel. it is pretty tough stuff as it has proven to me on the farm. has anyone used tractor enamel? i have painted farm equipment with it but you gotta thin it down alot to spray it but double the hardener and it shines real pretty. just looking for some feedback.

 

[erikpn]

Re: paint selection for aluminum bass boat

Rustoleum topside marine paint is about 15 dollars a quart. It takes about 2-3 quarts to paint a 16' tinny from what I've read. I'm sure you have 30 dollars? The rest of the money is blown on prep materials and tools, changing to a tractor paint won't change that.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: paint selection for aluminum bass boat

Rustoleum will work fine and no one will even know what type of paint it is. If applied properly....... it will work perfectly and last a long time.

Your "prep" is to scuff the old paint (do not bother to remove it) and prime the spots of bare aluminum with zinc chromate (from a rattle can) and then paint!

 

[21savagefish]

Re: paint selection for aluminum bass boat

Hi all,

Paintng a tinny.

If I were you I wouldn't bother.

I've had a few mates who have used auto paints for painting both GRP and Aluminium hulls. Both seem to work OK, although I did spend a heap doing my 21' unit with 7 coats of 2 pak poly. 2 of base 2 of primer and 3 of topcoat.

If you do decide to go to the effort then do yourself a big favour and strip the whole boat.

Make sure you treat the boat surface and use compatible etch primer and topcoat.

If you decide to brush the paint on it will give a crap finish unless the product has been designed to flow after tipping off.

It's easy to do basic touch ups but will end up looking pretty average and you will only kick yourself.

If you are short on cash (and we all are) leave until you are flush. You will be glad you did.

I'm of two minds about 2 pak paint on tinny's. You can only touch up with the same paint. Single pak paints don't go well on two pack bases.

The harder a paint is the less it will flex - keep that in mind too.

Have fun.