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Another important consideration is color. If you're going with a similar color to what you already have (factory), then Gelcoat is the most durable finish to apply. If you're going with Flag Blue or any other "dark" color, then you need to consider that dark colored gelcoats can often fade and chalk with age. Of course, this assumes you plan to keep the boat for a long time - recoating a boat is a big investment!

Traditional Awlgrip, as mentioned, can be difficult to repair with a good color match. Awlcraft 2000, on the other hand, can be sanded and polished etc with a good color match. The drawback to this coating is that it is "softer" than the original Awlgrip, so not as durable. None, if I recall correctly, is rated for use below the waterline, meaning that if you keep the boat in the water for more than a few days at a time, you'll need bottom paint or risk blistering. This is another area where Gelcoat is more durable, although it too can blister after prolonged (weeks) continuous immersion in water.