i have a 79 bahna i think it has a gel coat how do you tell the difference between paint and gel ? the finish is dull and faded was wondering if i could shoot a coat of clear over to shine it up?

if you sand it...  clear will do alot  ...   make it mirror again 
but you can always try cut polish and then buff smooth the paint you got, for the cheapest way out.
Unless I see it up close first hand it's always hard to say what you have to start with and what to do.
got any pics you can take for us?  up close and personal (of the boat  ) ?

-Rebel

A buddies boat was fadded and had it wet sanded and then re-cleared. Looked almost new after that. Good luck with yours.

Looks like a wet sand and clear prospect. Best get someone who has done it before do it for you, or help through it all.
Don't want to sand through any of the layers seeing you have many colors and some may be thin. Other than the few
scratches that go through the paint, she will look great with a coat of clear. Again, do you know someone with a shop?
Other wise the cost maybe more than your willing to spend. Got a budget in mind?
If you want to spend the least, go with buff and polish...  she'll still look good and save money for the Motor 

-Rebel

how do you tell the gel from paint?

thanks for the help and info. ended up just cutting and polishing.http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/mugbanks/boat-after3.jpg[/IMG]

Turned out great. I like the color scheme.

Got yourself a fine looking boat now 

just remember you can only cut polish (clean) the paint so many times before it becomes thinner, before you see
color layer underneath show through. keep it covered and out of the sun to keep it looking new, longer 

and welcome to the site 

-Rebel