what type of glass and paint do i need?

I am going to repair the bilge in my boat.This requires me to glass a piece of wood into place on the floor. I'm going to replace the piece of wood with holes in it with a piece that has some wide screening instead of the holes.
Are there different kinds of cloth and resin? I also plan to paint this area and need to know what paint would be good and chip resistant. Finally the wood, Should I just treat some plywood or do they sell something else.
Thanks.

 

That looks like the typical polyester/fiberglass mat layup. You can use any water proof plywood. Cover all the exposed wood well and then coat with waxed gelcoat.

 

I thought gelcoat was used for a smooth finish,like on the outer skin. Is it brushable,how should I prep it?

 

You can put it right over the fiberglass laminate. It is simply polyester resin with pigment and a load to make it thicker.

 

Thanks gonzo,any specific brand gel coat you recommend? also,where do I get marine grade plywood or should I just treat regular wood with some type of sealer?