Gelcoat Oxidation

[brian]

I have a 1978 Mako 21 center console that my dad bought new when I was 5. I am restoring it and am looking for advice on what to do with the gelcoat. It is dull and brittle from years of sun exposure. There is no blistering or significant damage. Has anyone had any luck with polishing compounds on old gelcoat. If so, which product works the best.

[brian]

Before I try to make the boat look pretty, I thought I would check out the bones on the old craft. I found some rot on the port side gunwale. The transom is dry and the stringers are solid. Now I must find a way to get the rotten wood out and get some new core material in there. This should be fun.