I got severely oxidized gelcoat and when I used pressure washer to strip old clear coat off, it made swirl marks in gel. I'm planning to sand it down and buff it out. I was thinking of starting with 320 and working up to 1200 or so. My question is can I get away with using a orbital palm sander? Or should I break down and buy a random orbit sander? I'd prefer to use a DA, but my compressor just won't run one for any length of time. They are air hogs!!!

*I* would personally stay away from any machine to do your wetsanding.  the risk of removing too much material is pretty high, especially on a corner or rounded edge.  it'll suck when your boat is all shiney and theres a nice spot where you went through the gelcoat. 

if anything id block sand with some wet 600-800 and move up from there.  make sure you have a DA with rubbing compound handy. 

For working on paint or ESPECIALLY gel, This little guy is what you want!



It's a Hutchins water bug. Air operated, and has built in garden hose conection/regulator! make quick work out of it! 

Bought this puppy for RJ! He ain't seen it yet.   

where did you pick that sander up at i want one