I would suggest that you paint as a last resort…it is going to be a lot of work, expense, eqipment and expertise to do it right (Awlgrip)not to mention adding weight to the hull…Also when the time comes to resell, prospective buyers may be suspicious of painted hulls as in “what is the paint hiding”……

I have seen more boats ruined by well intentioned people who thought that a new coat of paint was going to be an improvement, then from any other cause. More than likely, the boat will be just fine if you buff out the gelcoat… SC is a superior product… I use to have a 17SC that I buffed out with very good results…

Bob