[Shallows]

A picture would really help, but just how deep are the cracks - is it into the fiberglass, or just the paint layer? If not too deep you could sand and build it all up with a 2-part epoxy primer or build primer while sanding between coats to fill the cracks, then paint, etc.

 

[Shallows]

Hey Shallows, thanks for the reply. Here’s a picture of the issue. Much thanks!

Yes, there is no way you will be able to sand and buff that, surface appears way too damaged. Like others have said you are probably looking at 2-3 weeks of full work days to sand that down and re-paint properly, budget around 600-1000 for paint and materials if you want quality 2-part paint and primer (I just used Interlux Perfection and Primekote Primer on mine - stuff lays down very nice).

 

[Shallows]

Wait 2-3 weeks of sanding? Even with an orbital sander or other tool?

2-3 for the entire project - at least as your boat looks fairly large in the pics. Ideally you only want to lay down 1-coat of paint per 24-day - even in Florida; so 2 coats of primer, 3 coats of paint - thats 5 days right there - add non skid in areas and thats 2-3 more days - add one or two high build primer coats initially to fill your cracks and thats a few more days; block sand surface between each coat of primer and paint, etc.

Of course I'm sure there are faster, cheaper ways to do things, but if you want a really nice finish then that is whats involved. This would be using catalyzed 2-part paint with a foam roller; if you use a gun, then perhaps it would lay it on thin enough to do 2 coats in a day, but roller is much much safer unless you have a supplied air compressor to breathe due to the isocyanates in the hardener of 2-part paints.