[irishc]

I never used the self etching stuff but i did overhaul my boats hull in March of 2000. I've averaged 6 season between repainting... Some seasons i don't even have to touch up anything so stick with what Mr. Z says... Sometimes it is worth it to spend a little more time and money initally than to experiment and have to spend more later to fix a mistake/problem. Sanding and applying barrier coat followed by a bottom coat of one color finished off with 2-3 top coats of your desired color is the way to go. I won't lie, it is alot of work and money initally but the returns and rewards are worth it. I have a 20 footer and it takes me litterally 20 min and a 1/2 quart of paint to get the boat bottom ready for launch at the beggining of the season.