has anyone used interlux bilgekote enamel?
how does it work?
how much prep is necessary?

I'd spend the extra and use Pettit 2106 semi-gloss white epoxy. It's harder coating and easier to clean as it usually dries "thicker" than paint (Bilgekote is paint).

I washed mine out good with dawn detergent and water. towel dry and leave in the sun.

Of course the best way is to remove everything trim pumps, bilge pumps, as much of the rigging as possible. Sand it and then apply epoxy. I did not sand mine and it still holds good. Has not flaked off or anything. Epoxy also does not stain like regular paint when it comes to oil and antifreeze etc...

what epoxy ill work and doesnt drain the bank

I'm going to paint my bilge with the Bilgecoat do to all the positive reviews I read on it. I recieved a PM last week on it stating they used it and it is hard as can be and bright white adn was easy to use.
I've contacted Interlux's tech line a couple times on it's application and have been told you need a nice CLEAN surface to apply it to. Scuff up your old paint and go to town. Sand off any loose paint.
I replaced my transom, so the whole back is bare glass. They said I can paint right over it, or apply a primer if I want for a better adhesive, but it isn't neccesary.

Tossed between bilgekote or doing the AWLGRIP 2 apart, i know the 2 part will be much better but dont want to spend the extra cash (250-300) and can get bilgekote for 75.00 or so.

I have read that some of the bilgekote was staying tacky not dring in corners and valleys?

I painted my bilge 5 years ago with PPG epoxy. Adhered fine but seemed to stain so the PPG rep recommended PPG polyurethane so I went with polyurethane this time out. Went on fine and has a great shine. Both were ~$100 for a gallon of paint and the hardener.

I have not read about the tacky paint. Possibly put on too thick since it is in the corners. I have read/been told that to use any 2 part epoxy, that all the old paint would have to be sanded off to bare glass for proper adhesive.

I used a bilge cleaner and then put a two part marine epoxy that is used for blister protection. Did it a few years ago and it has held up fantastically!

Just used Bilgekote last weekend, took 2 quarts and 3 coats, in my outlaw single engine, came out awesome. Waited 24 hours between coats per directions, very shinny and happy with the 65.00 bucks.

Did you sand between coats?