[tartuffe]

Dont prep painted areas with acetone, it leaves a residue. Bilge areas need a paint meant for standing water, if not it will blister and peel after a week of water in your bilge. I used interlux performance vc in my bilge, it works well. Rustoleum makes a topside paint, never used it but heard good things.

Are you going to put foam back in your boat? I would if I were you.

Regarding covering up cracked gel coat, need pics.