"Peter Clinch" wrote in message
...
SJT wrote:

1.. The gel on both is scratched all over the place. Is it possible to
get
the scratches out of a gel coat?

Sand and polish, lots of both. Something like Plastic Padding (a brand
name) Gelcoat Filler in the deeper score marks probably a good idea, or
there won't be anything left after the sanding and polishing!

Remember that the only waterproofing on a GRP boat is the gel coat. GRP is
not waterproof. So unless you want to have to redo the whole boat don't sand
through the gel coat. Just key it, paint on your new gel, and lightly sand
and polish that. if there are bigger star cracks or similar the GRP and gel
can be restored to original strength if you read up on the skills required
BEFORE you start :-)

Ewan Scott