advice
 

im currently level 23 (about 2000 rep off from level 24) and am 90% done with the black pearl quest.
now my question is should i stop the quest and work on leveling my weapons (none of which are over level 13) or should i just finish the black pearl quest up to boss battle and then level my weapons?

I say that you should start leveling up your weapons until they are all.. level 17-20-ish and then finish the pearl quest. While you are waiting for the boss battle, then you can level up your weapons the rest of the way =]

thanks. i think i'll get to leveling my weapons.
oh and one last thing, anyone have any tips for leveling a cutlass (its currently at level 10)?

Also try to max your grenades while your notoriety level is still low. They do so much damage, if your notoriety is too high, you won't get much rep from them.