Boat restoration

Ok, most of you know I have an 89 Ranger 354V that I purchased from
Heavy. Awesome boat, my first bass boat. So far I have put a brand new
Yamaha VMax 150 on it, and brand new 70# Minn-Kota Maxxum trolling
motor, and all brand new Lowrance electronics on the bow and Console.
My next step is to replace the carpeting, and build a deck extension.

I would also like to repair some damage on the bottom of the boat, maybe
paint it (is that practical?), and then repair some of the gel coat (can
that be done??? , It seems faded in areas). I have also started
building a Rod holder using plastic golf club sleeves and pre-treated
plywood. I figure this would work out nice for pulling rods out as well
as putting them in without getting the tips tangled as I do now.

The nice thing is, Ranger will sell me a new windshield, console panel
(which they will cut for me if I send them mine), and bow panel. So the
restoration project is well under way.

I was hoping that you guys could give me some insight into gel-coat
repair, and maybe some ideas of what I should do about the hull. I am
looking at a Keel guard after seeing Steve use his on Mohawksin, seemed
like a pretty sweet idea.

Thanks again all,

Chris