If the folks who designed the boat, selected the materials, sold thousands of them, did tech support for all the tens of thousands of customers who built them, ran classes where these boats were built, etc. said skip the primer, I'd skip the primer.

After all, skipping the primer means they sell you less stuff, so they are literally losing money with that advice. There must be a really good reason to skip the primer .

Laszlo

   Thanks Laszlo. I think what had me confused was that the Brightsides paint carries the same warning, not to be used below the waterline.  CLC states that its ok as long as the boat doesnt "live in the water" for extended periods and I wasn't sure if the same exception applies to the primer. I think I'm going to need all the help i can get to end up with a smooth finish, but it seems like skipping the primer is the way to go.

If you're applying topside paint, such as Interlux Brightsides, you'll want between three to six coats over two coats of primer. - CLC Lighthouse Tender Peapod manual.

If your Peapod will live in the water, or spend more than a week or two in the water, (...). Use herbicidal bottom paint, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Don’t use a primer underwater unless it’s one recommended by the manufacturer. - CLC Lighthouse Tender Peapod manual.