to prime or not to prime?

[ctrek]

I have built a small (11') wooden skiff via stich/glue. I have fiberglassed the exterior, coated with epoxy, sanded, applied a fairing coat, sanded, then applied three coats of epoxy, and then again sanded until smooth. There is no shine is left from the epoxy (hull and interrior are complete matte). I am getting ready to paint with Interlux Brightsides, but am interested in the forum's opinion about the need to prime with Epoxy Primekote. Although this is the recommendation from the manufacturer, I am also interested in the feedback from people who have real/practical experience in this area.

thanks,
Ctrek

[PAR]

From a technical stand point you don't need the primer, but from a practical view point it can make life a lot easier. Primer offers a clean, uniform, well attached coating that can make putting the top coat on easier, more uniform and less likely to have an issue.

Go with the primer. You have already invested a lot of time, sweat and money in your project, so, do´nt skimp on that pot of stuff. In the commercial boatbuilding world we do´nt use primer, as PAR mentioned they are not neccessary from a technical point of view, but for your homebuild they can make it easier to achieve a good result on your Topcoat.
Regards
Richard