I wish I could take a photo that accurately illustrates the issue. It's so difficult to describe. It's just like there is a surface haze (not swirl) that's preventing the gelcoat from shining at a 100% gloss. I've never seen anything like it before.
The best way to describe it is to imagine...
So as a precursor, I have a good bit of experience doing paintwork on cars. I used to do paint correction for side work. I sold everything I had besides a PC7424 and some pads. I was always a believer in Sonus products for clearcoats. I never did much paintwork on gelcoat.
Now, I've got a boat...