Painting an aluminum boat

[Moses2531]

Thinking about getting a new (used) boat for myself but am hesitent on the color scheme and think it would be fun to do a custom paint job on it. Its a late 90's aluminum 18' crestliner and I am wondering if there are any suggestions for painting it?

I have heard some people say sanding down the current paint and spraying over it will do the trick while others have suggested sanding it down to the aluminum and using Rustoleum Self Etching primer followed by spray on marine paint.

Now it isnt supposed to be a show boat, I just want to have some fun and mess around with my potential new fishing boat, but I wouldn't want it to look just awful. Wondering if it is going to look absolutely horrible (as in too much work, not worth it) or if you think it could be done within reason in a well ventilated garage?? Thanks!

[knoppers]

I always thought a camo boat would look cool as a bigger fishing boat. something like realtree or something better than just hand painting for ducks.