looking for tips on restoring the gelcoat on my boat. no scrathes to speak of but the gelcoat has a lot of oxidation.  been thinking of using the 3M polishing compound and the 3M Finesse it. anyone tried these ?

In my experience, it depends on the age of the fiberglass and the degree of the oxidation damage.

I bought a used 1984 procraft that was stored outside for a few years.

The glass is not pitted but heavily oxidized on the top.

I have tried polishes, compounds and wet sanding/polish. It will look good for a while, but the oxidation will return.

The only solution for my boat is to wet sand and clear coat or paint.

Hopefully your boat is not that badly oxidized and the compound will

clean her up.

Maybe some of the others have a better solution or recommend a product.

There are several methods from wet sanding with the higher grit papers, 1000 and ending up with 2000.  Then a polishing compound.  You can also use a rubbing compound on a wool bonnet on a polisher.  The best polisher out there that's usually recommended is sold by Harbor Freight.  It runs around $40.  I runs at a slow speed that you can't find unless you spend a lot more money.  After you're done, work it over with a polishing compound and then a good marine wax like Macguires Flagship.  

You could also go with a product called Vertglas.  It's a restorer that will bring the luster back.  Another product is called Bass Boat Saver.

Neither of these products is long lasting (a year usually)

That's the bad part of gelcoat finishes.  Anytime it's in the sun those UV rays are slowly eating it up.