I just picked up a 1436 Jon Boat. I was just wondering what is the best way to sand and paint an aluminum boat? I have access to sand blasting and powder coating. Anybody ever gone that route? Time isn't an issue so I want to do it right and I want the paint to last. Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks

IF you decide to blast, do so VERY carefully and only do a light sweep blast. Blasting with too much pressure can warp aluminum, especially thin aluminum. Trust me. You're better off buffing it down or wiping it with an acid (I am not sure the kind of acid but I know there is one out there)

a DA sander and some 120 grit sandpaper will take it down to the bare metal fairly quick as long as you change the paper frequently.

^^This^^

I used a wire wheel on my drill and 100 grit after that. Wiped with acetone and rolled on duralux. Turned out sweet.

wire wheel on a hand grinder wit some heavy grit sand paper after does wonders. then some camo stencils done correctly and you got your boat lookin purty .

the original paint on my boat wasnt too bad so i just used comet and a scotch brite pad to prep it and it came out pretty good.