I am going to be getting my first boat this week, it is an older boat (88 Stratos 189V).   The top of the rails and some of the side is kind of faded almost like the clear coat is gone, has almost like a rough texture.   Is their any way of shining it up to make it look a little better?

You can buff it but it won't last.  It has been out in the sun too long and the gel coat is eroding.

If there is some clear coat left you can sand it and wax it. Depending on the depth of the cracks they may still be visible but you can get the entire surface smooth and shiny otherwise.

 

Here's how I did mine.

 

Wash

500grit wet sand

1000 grit wet sand

3m marine paste wax - high speed electric buffer

 

Keep your surface wet and add a little dish soap to the bucket. Change out the paper often.

 

I haven't had mine done long enough to tell how long it will last but I have a hard time believing it won't stay looking just like it does now so long as I keep it covered and waxed.