: The only potential problem is that if the gelcoat has faded, the
: color will be different where you spot-sand it. A better bet may
: be to just try to buff out the scratches without worrying about
: sanding the surface even.

: Also, I forgot to mention that I do all of the sanding up through
: 800 grit by hand, rather than using an ROS.

I would be as likely to use a concrete patio block as a sanding block as use a ROS. Sanding doesn't get any respect... Especially hand sanding. A ROS has its place, but fine work is not it.

Thanks for the tip on the faded gelcoat. I think the boat's only 2 years old and I know it was stored indoors, so I can't imagine it's an issue, but I'll test out a spot on the aft deck to check. That way she won't have to stare at it every time she paddles if it's off.

m