TOPIC: Paint suggestions?

I'm getting ready to paint my '58 LoneStar Holiday. What would be a good choice for an affordable paint? I've sprayed an aluminum camper with my HVLP and Tractor Supply paint, and got good results, but not sure how well it would hold up on the boat.
Unfortunately, a previous owner attacked a portion of the hull with what looks like an angle grinder with a wire wheel. Could I use a filler primer to hide the thousands of tiny gouges in the aluminum, or would that be a bad idea with it being in the water? Thanks for any help.

I wouldn't rely on even a 'filler' primer to do much with anything deeper than a sandpaper scratch. Although it may seem like alot of work, you may find it easier to skim coat the gouges with filler. On my lummie, I used an Evercoat product which specifically stated it was ideal for adhesion to aluminum. Then a primer/surfacer product. I'm sorry I don't recall the name.

After that, a good sealer-primer will be necessary to be sure the porousness of the filler and primer is sealed, prior to topcoating. And of course, remember that bare aluminum begins to oxidize immediatly, so the last thing you do before picking up the spray gun for paint or primer, is a good wipe down with the appropriate 'metal wash'.

My boat sat in the water for over two months last summer, no signs of any problems with the aluminum, or the filled/ repaired areas.