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Read up on it. It would be a mistake to just use anti-fouling paint.
https://www.westmarine.com/west-advisor/Epoxy-Barrier-Coats.html
If you have bare gelcoat now and you are going to put the boat in the water for weeks or months at a time, you should FIRST use an epoxy barrier (usually 3 coats) and then 2 (or 3) coats of ablative anti-fouling. After that, typically you can recoat ech season with one coat.
Epoxy barrier is a 2 part paint. timing and weather dependant. The hull needs to be DRY. The weather needs to be warm & DRY.
It not cheap.
Interlux or Pettit or TotalBoat
In my experience, shaking at the store is not enough. You need to really stir before use AND during use. Stirring doesn't mean a stick. It means a paint mixing attachment on a drill..Tips... Have the seller shake it well. If you don't apply right away go to a paint store and have them do it on your way to the boat. Get a bunny suit and latex gloves at HD if you don't have one. Makes clean up a lot easier. I use a face shield when on the creeper under the boat.
^^^^^^This x 1,000. I purchased a drill paint stir attachment and the amount of paint on the can bottom is unbelievable, and this after the marina put it on their machine. I also stir during the painting process. I keep the can in a box so the drips do not spill on the ground.In my experience, shaking at the store is not enough. You need to really stir before use AND during use. Stirring doesn't mean a stick. It means a paint mixing attachment on a drill..
The solids at least on water based bottoms paints settle out quickly
If you read the instructions, they usually make it clear that vigorous stirring and re-stirring are advised^^^^^^This x 1,000. I purchased a drill paint stir attachment and the amount of paint on the can bottom is unbelievable, and this after the marina put it on their machine. I also stir during the painting process. I keep the can in a box so the drips do not spill on the ground.