Paint Help 64 Johnson Deluxe

[Small Fry]

It's been a while but I'm back...my 1964 17ft Johnson/OMC Deluxe is in need of some paint on the hull. This is what I know, I now have significant spider cracks on the back sides of the sponsens with bubbles in most of the gel coat that was added in the 80's. The original paint lasted a good 20 years and the gel coat has been nothing but trouble from the start. Any ideas on what I should do? I want something that will last but I don't want to break the bank.
The boat has been in the family since it was found wrecked in 65 so I have plenty of opinions from the boys in the family on what should be done but for better or worse she's mine and I make the final call.

At this point I just need a good place to start.

Thanks!

[Karl]

Kristy,
Cool! A couple of years ago I worked on a 64 Johnson Runabout. Unlike your delux, mine is an outboard. I will be glad to share my mistakes and successes along the way. Please send me an email. I still have the boat and love to show it off.

Karl