A friend of mine, more familiar with fiberglass work, came over to check out my hulls today. He said they seem strong and it looks like the previous owner did just epoxy over the gel to beef the bottom up for beaching. So, I may just fill in the chips and sand that smooth. Would that be fine for every day use? I know it won't look pretty but as long as it can all stand up to the water I am fine with it for now. (since it sounds like gel coat won't go on over the epoxy very well?)

I'll definitely look more into the products you guys recommend such as the PVA. I just have to wait until it gets warmer here since I don't have a garage to do all of this in.

As for the dagger boards, I think the picture is misleading. It looks like the bottom of the board is worn but there is really about a 1/4" of some kind of clear resin on the bottom.