Painting Boat Imron/Awlcraft

I have a 1986 Supra Sunsport (I know, not a correct craft, but the supra forum is no good for old boats), and my family loves it! We have decided to take on the restoration and are trying to decided how to handle the gelcoat. The gelcoat is very very oxidized and it was wet sanded and buffed but the gloss didn't stay very long. It also has a few spots that need to be touched up. So I'm starting to think maybe its time to consider an Imron or Awlcraft paint job. These products are super popular on oceans boats but everybody in my area, Middle TN, looks at me like I have 3 heads when I mention painting a boat. Does anybody have any experience with this, and if so do you have a shop you recommend. I'll gladly travel to get it done right. Here is a picture of the boat. 

Now here is the boat I painted,gel coat was shot- boat had been painted before with what looked like a broom. I ended up sanding it down through the bad gel because it would had telegraphed right through new paint. Hull sides and deck painted with Imron. Imron cannot be used under the waterline if you want to leave it in the water. Paint supplies,primer,color, and activator alone in 2014 was 1K. Has held up great but you have to be very careful that you do not damage it-Imron cannot be blended I'm told. I think I heard that Awlgrip can be but I'm not sure. Biggest thing I've ever painted, it was tough doing it in a 2 car garage. You need a special air supplied suit when working with these isocyanate paints so if you don't have one or have to have someone spray it for you your paying for that,so now your in 1600 bucks even before you start painting.

Before painting take it to Dale Scott at Boat Doctors, 5047 Murfreesboro Rd, La Vergne, TN · (615) 793-9585. He does fabulous gelcoat work.
Walter Keith

Your Supra looks gangster, satin and matte is in style
Try Gary’s approach

Sweet mustang Gary

My nephew painted his boat 10 years ago, paint is very prone to chips and nicks, I would not do it.  His is stored inside and should still look new but it does not.

Gary S wrote: Don't want to spend 3k to have gel work done? How much is it going to cost if you get it painted?

I've been quoted 5-6k to paint it with Imron, which in the sail boat and yacht world is known to last (keep its gloss) 10-15yrs. Spending $3k doesn't scare me. It's spending $3k and not being happy. Maybe I should just got for the Gel Coat restoration and be done with it. I can then invest the other money I save into other improvements.