So for the uneducated among us (me in this case)
Can someone explain what the point of the ceramic coating is?

What does it do that makes it worth several grand a season?

My boat isn't coated and I wash it after most outings and it looks great, so I don't really see the draw other than for those that also clay bar their car every weekend and look at their reflection for entertainment. It seems to me like just another thing people do for the sake of spending money.
Granted I also don't wash my cars very often or care what other people think about my stuff so that may be the root of my skepticism/pessimism.

Like I said I'm happy to change my mind if someone can explain it!