I have been painting my West Marine inflatable for the past 3 seasons
(actually only repainted it this season).

The first time I painted it with a Pettit paint system, especially for
inflatables. It contained a surface prep cleaner. It was rather strong but
seemed to make the actual paint bond very well.

I put on two coats of AF and still had enough left for a third (next season,
my plan). The next season it didn't seem to need a recoat so I left the
remainder in the paint locker. This last spring I wanted to do a recoat but
found this left over paint had gone hard in the can.

I went to my marine supplier and purchased another brand (sorry I don't
remember the brand). It was about $18 for a quart and was the only product
they had for soft bottom inflatables. I painted over the original and there
didn't seem to be any problem.

There were a couple minor problems with both paints. The Pettit paint
stained the unpainted portion, in areas of contact, when I rolled it of for
winter storage. I wasn't able to remove these stains.

I haven't rolled up this inflatable with the current brand and don't know if
it would do the samething. If I were to roll it up again I think I would
roll it with a small blue tarp between the rolls.

Second, both paints abladed rapidly on the aft area of the tube extentions
due to a lot of towing under way. (my dingy rides on that area while being
towed at about 6 knots. I guess that's to be expected.

I never notice any evidence of cracking or crinkling of either paints. The
both have excellent AF properties and I have no problems with fouling, even
though I leave my dingy in the water about 9 months of the year. Over last
winter I actually left my inflatable stored, upside down on my fore-deck.
The paint held up very well most likely provided some UV protection (if that
were needed here in the PacNW.). I plan to do the same this winter.

As a final note. I purchased my West Marine inflatable use for about $400,
like new but without oars. I research for oars I found that it was actual a
Force (something or other) from NZ. I have used and abused it for 4 seasons
now and I can say that it doesn't owe me anything. A dock mate has just
offered me $200 for it I get a RIB or solid dingy next season.


--
My experience and opinion, FWIW
--
Steve
s/v Good Intentions