SD,
Glad to hear that you're happy with the FAE. I just got mine in the mail last week and have not had a chance to install it yet. I'd love to get your pics and pointers - I'll PM you.

About the gelcoat -
The very first time we took our brand new boat out this past January it was just my wife and I. We had literally just picked it up from the dealership and wanted to take a quick spin because we were just so excited. I drive an F350 longbed and once you get the trailer behind that thing, you're moving about 55' of very expensive equipment - in other words, my wife refuses to drive my truck with the trailer. So I put the boat in the water and talk her through backing out and give her VERY specific instructions to just idle out a little and WAIT for me to park the truck. Then I would come down to the dock and slowly talk her through pulling up to the dock and I would be there to "catch" the boat. You can see where this is going. I park the truck and start walking back towards the ramp and dock when absolute horror strikes. My wife has tried to "impress" me by docking the boat herself, only her version of docking is driving 5mph, nose-first into a dock with no bumpers whatsoever. I have to pause and take a few deep breaths just from telling this story.

This was one of those times when you are so incredibly pissed off, but before you can even open your mouth, the wife is already balling hysterically and you don't want to make her even more upset so you try and act like it's no big deal. There was an impression on the bow that was about the size and depth of my fist. Anyway, I went back to the dealer, told them "we got hit by a speeding dock" and about $500 later, the boat is perfect again.

Hope that makes you feel a little better.