Kevlar?
 

Some of the threads refer to Kevlar coating. Is that like Kevlar the bulletproof body armor? Do boats need that?

Welcome to the forum, Kevlar is not referring to a coating but a fiber reinforcement in the construction. I can be used instead of conventional fiberglass, higher strength can be achieved at a lower weight but comes at a much higher cost!
And yes its the same kind of stuff used in bullet proof vests and helmets

Kevlar boats are bullet proof. They are cool , you can run drugs to Cuba and be pretty safe from most rifle rounds .