determining the condition of a boat's fiberglass gel coat

When it comes to detailing boats, it is important to keep in mind the age and general condition of the fiberglass gel coat. Newer boats, less than five years old, that have been polished and waxed at least twice a season can usually be polished and waxed by hand. That is because the gel coat on a boat that has had regular appearance maintenance will usually be in good condition. That is not the case with older boats where the gel coat has been neglected. The age of boat can be identified by the date code stamped into serial number, which is usually located on the stern. In most cases, the last two numbers of the serial number will identify the year the boat was manufactured.