Painting Fiberglass

[hunter]

Hello,

I am restoring my first boat - a 25 year old 26' sailboat. I am getting ready to paint the deck since it had been previously painted and the old paint is starting to peel in spots.

I am on a very, very limited budget since I am between jobs and I found some inexpensive one-part poly paint ($29/gal) on ebay. It is manufactured by Hawthorne and has received very good reviews. Since the deck will need repairs to the surface I know it will need a primer.

Since Hawthorne does NOT make a primer can I use a non-marine type primer - I know Don Casey and others have suggested painting with a top of the line alakyd enamel from Home Depot - can I use an enamel primer? Is that compatible with one-part poly paints? Also, I hear a lot of 2 part epoxy primers - is this like a West/MAS system epoxy just rolled on with perhaps a thinner added to make it spread better?

Thanks!!!!

[gonzo]

Ask the manufacturer. They are the authority on this.