The "rough areas" are those areas that are molded in "non-skid" (I hesitate to use that term as non-skid is really something different). These are areas around the boat that have a molded in pattern to increase traction. It really is not non-skid, which is generally a material with a sand like finish, or even an adhesive tread with again a sand like finish. On many boats, there is a molded tread material that is nothing more than a non-smooth area of FRP.

Thanks for the warning on the auto finish wax... I used Turtle wax and at first was concerned that the coloring in the wax was going to remain... but as the wax dries, it goes white, which is when I also buffed it out... so far it looks OK... but time will tell. I never really got a slick shiny finish... which was fine, I could feel the wax and saw that water beaded on it, so I knew it was there.

I'll look for Starbrite... I'd prefer to use the right product. That color restore sounds like good stuff too... I tried to using rubbing compound to remove some rust stains and while they were lightened, they did not go away... and it was quite a bit of effort for the end result.

We're talking 30 year old boat here... so I am trying to buff it up just a wee bit. Heck, just giving a bath now and then helps. Just as a side note... little things like lubricating the various deck hardware with WD-40 or Sailkote has helped loads... at first I couldn't move any of the cars up or down any track... now everything moves freely. It's the small stuff that pays off. (seals, lubricants, etc...)