Refinishing boat floor - removing carpet and gel coating

[LiveToFishFishToLive]

Just bought a 1988 seanymph fish and ski. As the main purpose for having the boat is for fishing, I'd like to do away with the carpet and put a hard bottom down that can be easily/safely rinsed. I've heard that this can be done by removing the carpet, lightly roughing the surface with sand paper, ensuring it is clean and then putting a couple coats of a gel coat with some sand mixed in for grip. Has anyone gel coated a floor before and can offer their expertise on it? A step by step process would be most helpful because I'm brand new to owning a boat. Another person recommended skid-no-more. If there are small cracks or chips that need filling prior to applying one of these hard coats what should I use for the filler? Any help is greatly appreciated!! Thank you.