Really, you wont see where the savings is at until you actually get set-up to spray, and your 100% correct if your only going to paint 1 or 2 small boats its not worth getting set-up, PLUS you really do need someone to teach you at least the basics to get started..
wanna see cost savingsI can paint about 75 JAE's totally free of charge right now most likely more than that, base clear with several colors to pick from including pearls and metal flake true metal flake your not going to get from a can