JD wrote:
I have recently aquired a 1984 Challenger bass boat that is in need of
some work. The main thing is the finish of the fiberglass. It is dull
and rough (very bottom is nice and slick, but gets progressively
rougher the high up the boat you go).

How much work and/or money do you want to spend on it? The first thing
I'd try is a serious buffing. Some have suggested wetsanding starting
with 400 grit, which will smooth the surface quickly, but a 400 grit
surface takes a LOT of work to bring to a shine. Medium grade buffing
compound will do some smoothing and will take a decent shine with some
wax. Try a few spots and see. If not, then drop back to the 400 grit
wetsand, and work your way up through 800 grit, and then buff it.

... The rough surface on the
uppermost topside makes for good footing

??? Most people walk on the deck, not the topsides


.... Any suggestions of best epoxy paint, gel coat, clear
coat or sealer to use and its application will be appreciated.

The absolute best top-of-the-line surface coatings (most durable,
shiniest, most protective) are stuff called Linear Polyurethane. Imron
is one brand of it. It can be 2-part which is tricky stuff, or 1-part
which is much easier and about 90% as good. They do make a clear
buffable LPU coating. It is not cheap though.

A cheaper option is Poli-Glow which I believe is some kind of silicone.
By most reports you have to recoat this stuff every year, but it's very
easy.

Fair Skies- Doug King