Re: Finish question
There are marine chemical strippers. These are easier on the gel coat, but I recommend caution, as they will still eat it. You will likely end up wet sanding the hull to get the last of the paint off. Use a 400grit wet paper to get to final smoothness.
Do you know that the metal flake is paint? I think some boats had that kind of gel coat, but am not really sure.
When you do go to repaint, remember dark colors show more imperfectations. If you have imperfectations, go light in color. Use a marine urethane paint, if you want the most durable finish. Roll and tip painting works pretty good on the hull. The sprayed finish is a bit better, however. I ended up spraying the deck and dash, and using the roll and tip for below the molding that covers the hull seam.
