Hello M boaters, I have been reading a library of Don Casey's books on sailboat maintenance and repair along with results from Practical Sailor on maintaining Gel coat and topside (hull) paints. After sanding one side of the hull lightly with 220,400,600 grit and machine compounding then wax the gel coat is smooth and shiny but no matter what I do (including FSR stain remover) close inspection shows minute checking all over. Not aligatoring or anything major but I am beginning to think that I may be time to paint the 30+ year hull and possibly deck as there are a couple small areas that the gel coat on the cockpit is wearing through. Painting is not an appealing thought but I wanted to see if others have experience with painting. Due to the lapstrake hull I would spray it. Not sure about the deck. I know that Jerry M has recommended auto paint. Anyone try this? One other question is about small roundish rust spots in the interior of the hull. Inspecting the drain hole pipe for the cock pit drain I notice evenly spaced small points of rust looking like metal was left in the hull when made and has rusted. Any ideas what these might be? One other question is the metal rub rail. Has anyone removed and painted a metal rub rail? Any advice on whether this is doable? The rub rail took some abuse this summer chewing up my dock. Did a great job protecting the boat though! Thanks Robbin '75 hull #056