GOOD NEWS. . . . The PICTURE UPLOAD FUNCTION IS WORKING !!! The tech folks at the parent company have been able to remedy the issue. You can upload pictures once again. Thank you for your patience.
For the prep involved, don't skimp on the quality of the paint. Use a Marine poylurethane topside paint. Brightside is a good one, but pretty pricey. I believe polyurethanes out perform enamel, BTW.
The Home Despot sells a marine grade polyurethane for a lot less, but I have never used it.