Confused as to which type of paint to use above and below waterline.(Pictures)

[jonathaninsc]

I purchased this 1985 Sea Ox last fall and as you can see from the pictures it needs paint. It has ablative paint below the waterline and has been "polished" down to the bare fiberglass on the front half of the keel from being beached. I believe there is no paint on top of the gelcoat above the waterline.

The boat will be used in coastal South Carolina. It will be trailered frequently and will never sit in the water for more than 72 hours.

The trailer has carpeted bunks and keel rollers.

1.) How should I remove the ablative paint and prep the hull for new paint, including the bare fiberglass?

2.) What paint(s) should I use below the waterline that will stand up to trailering? Barrier coat/no barrier coat? Ablative/hard epoxy?

3.) What paint should I use if I decide to paint above the waterline? Would you paint the gelcoat above the waterline?

Thanks for your help and advice.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Confused as to which type of paint to use above and below waterline.(Pictures)

Your pics did not come through.
I would suggest you stick to hard ablative paint on the bottom. I would have a hard time risking the possibility of using topside paint in salt water. It may be fine, but I would be reluctant even on a trailer boat. Obviously this is just an opinion given I have never tried it.