Painting my jon boat?

[crookedeyemoto-x]

Thanks for all the input on finding the right motor everyone. Now another qustion I am in the process of stripping all of the old paiont from my 12' aluminum jon boat. My question is what is the best way to prep the metal before I take it to the OMS shop on post and have them spray it OD green with good ole Army paint. Will a simple coat of aluminum primer work?

[Kal-Kevin]

when I had a aluminum jon boat I hit it with a coat of primer to be safe and it held up great as far as I know it is still in good shape. the only thing is make sure it is a marine grade primer! 

[spetro]

hummmm....ya may want to move this topic to the aluminum boat area......you have some pros over there that should be all over this question.  I wish I knew more about metal boats

[Steve_W]

sorry I missed this post
painting a john boat,is all about how your going to use it,the bigger the water and the faster you go the more abuse it's going to take,also how often do you want to paint it.the basic rule here is a aluminum self etching primer fallowed by a marine enamel.for general use that will last awhile,as with everything else the better the materials the better the job and the longer it will last
I recently switched paint systems so I don't have any info right off hand about the best product for the job but if anyone needs the info I can set you up just pm me

[Ouachita]

I've had jon boats many years and was happier when there was no paint left on it. I've painted and done good jobs, but jon boats just don't like paint. My last one got turned over, paint removed (torched off), lightly sanded, and left clean aluminum. No more worry. looked good. Some of the most miserable boaters I know got a beautifully painted aluminum boat, that new finish lasting a couple months, looking like a meat grinder got hold of it later.

Jim