Remember that whatever the surface looks like before gelcoat will be the same that it looks after. So sand it down and use filler and sand again with about 100 grit before gelcoating. Use basic gelcoat and let it sit for about 10 minutes and then spray on PVA mold release over the top. This will seal the gelcoat so that it will all set up perfectly. You can then in about 24 hours just wash off the PVA mold release and finish touchup sanding and polishing.

Mike Hill
Tiger #1520