If you can get someone competent to do the entire boat for $ 150.00, that is a good price.
Test a spot with 1000, and see if it removes the oxidation, see if the water gets milky colored.
All boats s are different, all depends on how bad the oxidation is, the condition of the gel, etc.
Some can get away with starting with a higher grit, you just have to test an area that looks to be the worst on your boat.
If you need to start with a lower grit like 600 - 800, you'll notice after wet sanding that the water will start to run clear instead of milky, when that start then move up to a higher grit. The higher grits are to remove what little oxidation is left in the pores and also to remove the sanding marks from the lower grits.