Do i need to do an epoxy coat on the hulll if I'm planning to paint?
Be a Very Good Idea.
Okoume's not noted for its rot-resistance but it does take to epoxy very well.
Without a waterproofing coat - two's better, with a light sanding in between - the ply under paint (which isn't really waterproof) will degrade over time under the best of storage conditions.
Besides the fact that epoxy makes a fine primer for any paint worth using on a boat. Just make sure you cover all the wood bits with it well, then lightly wet-sand / de-glaze (green or brown ScotchBrite works great too) then thoroughly rinse & dry before painting.
Only if you want the paint to last a long time with little or no maintenance.
Laszlo
the short answer is "yes". you coat any okoume with epoxy in a stitch and glue boat. then you paint or varnish on top of that.
Finishig the hull epoxy/paint/varnish felt like it took me longer than the rest of the build to get it "right".
External:-
3 coats of epoxy + sanding
3 coats of primer + sanding
3 coats of Toplac + sanding