After 21 summers, I'm not there (cutting) yet. Doubt I'll ever do that. Tony's tonic acid wash, sealant, and Collinite 925(?) for me. Folks on my lake still think the boat is new. Same goes for my (saltwater and lake) 1970 Winner.

Start with the firmest.  Give them a squeeze test.  Work your way down to softer and ultimately the wax or whatever coating you’re putting on at the end.  I will say, that after 10 years of no polishing, you will possibly need a rotary buffet with a wool pad. 

Start with yellow with a heavy cutting compound to remove oxidation and work down to a finishing pad from there. Gel coat takes quite a bit more than what paint does, a wool pad is often my choice for starting out. 

Shipped!

4 minutes ago, MikeR397 said:

My 24 T220 came with an incorrect manual wedge (vs power) and different surf exhaust and swim platform due to the mix up. It sounds like Malibu is only covering the power wedge and exhaust swap and my dealer says they have to eat the swim platform cost which is absolutely nuts to me they would have to eat that since it was entirely Malibus fault. 

If I could swap a manual wedge on, I would.  Was not aware that was even an option anymore.  Why swap platform?  Can't live with door?