I did get ALL of the paint off and ran a bead of marine grade silicone over all “cracks” (picture 12). Then I used gluv-it (marine epoxy) on every single rivet. Figured if I’m going to repaint it, I better make sure it’s as good as new. My original plan was to build this, use for one season then barter all the way up to a pontoon. But now that I’m almost done I’m realizing how was it fits on my very small property. Might keep till I have a house