If you want a mirror finish, rent or borrow a random orbital polisher/buffer after you wet sand up to 2000 grit or so. The Porter Cable Random Orbital polisher is a great tool, though you can get a good job with one of the cheapy random orbital polishers now available at Sears and auto parts stores. Use foam pads -- available from Meguiar's or Griot's Garage (or from your local auto finishing store) -- and use first a "medium cut" polishing compound, then a "fine cut" compound, and finally a swirl remover. You'll see your face in the finish. Polish is optional. All of this can be done in an afternoon. You won't see any brush marks, your friends will stumble over their own feet to look at your boat, and your dog will drool with delight. Then you can actually use your boat, knowing that you can restore your finish whenever you want.

Dave Houser and others have posted on this topic in the past. If you need more information, drop me a note.

Jim