Here's a neat little article on how to paint your car for $50. The same process applies to painting a boat, so you can follow the same steps. The good thing is, it's a cheap paint job, even a good paint job that can turn out glossy-smooth without the need for spray equipment or a respirator because you aren't using nasty two-part paints. The bad thing is, it takes a LOT of effort, in spite of what the article says. I know, because I've done it ... with great results I might add ... using Interlux Brightsides paint and a LOT of work. To get the glossy finish that looks like it was sprayed, numerous layers of paint with complete color sanding in between is required, then progressively finer sanding at the end to the rubbing out and polishing stages. I used an Interlux "levelling agent" additive that helped the paint flow out smooth, minimizing brush marks. I've never had much success with the foam brushes that are mentioned in the article here as they tend to tear for me, so I used a high quality Purdy bristle brush.

It's always good to save a buck and do something yourself and just about anyone can paint like this with some patience and perseverance. Below, are before and after photos of the '59 Cutter I painted this way.

Here's the link to the article: http://www.rickwrench.com/50dollarpaint.html.