The best paint to get is called international you can buy it a whitworths they have heaps of other brands there As well and a book to tell you what is suitable for your aplication dont forget to sand back and prime the whole boat as well 

You will need to do a test on the existing paint.

The best paint for boats is generally two pack. Get hold of some good laquor thinners and do a rub test on the existing paint. If it softens it and rubs it off it may have been painted in enamel (especially if it is a dinghy). Are you going to spray it or brush it ?

Bare metal should be etch primed with either single pack etch or some two pack primers have an etch built in.

Do the test and PM me and I will give you more info

 I used 2 pack Hempel when I painted mine last year.  It worked out to be a lot cheaper than International or Northane.  I got it from the following guy. He was really helpful with quantities, tools and advice on paitnting.

http://www.boatpaints.net.au/

Goodluck

We use Hempel paints for offshore gear. Jotun is another brand. Not sure what area you are in but I go to Robayne for all my paints. They are very cluey in there and will tell you what you need to know.

 awesome. cheers for that guys will try sort it out. i was planning on brushing it because its kind of an old tub and it was built with some kind of blanking rivets? i will try post a photo so you know wat i mean. i was mainly going to paint it to ensure no leaks lol 

 If you are going to brush it I would suggest using a small roller I think they are 4.5 inch the spread the paint better and reduce runs and a very good for some of the higher gloss paint gives a nicer smoothe finish as well