[Ed]

Hi Dan-

I would do the following to fix those voids:

1) Grind off gelcoat (and inside of voids too) from the beginning of tape measure to the 5 1/2 inch mark. Vaccum and then wipe clean with acetone.

2) Next, after void holes have been roughed up and cleaned, I would fill them with an epoxy/cabosil mixture.

3) Then, I would lay down one or two layers of one inch tape or one inch mat (3/4 oz).

4) Once that cures, wipe clean with soap and water to remove amine blush and then sand down till fairly smooth and then apply a fairing compound. Again wipe clean with soap and water to remove amine blush before you do final sanding.

5) Once 100% fair, you can spot refinish with gelcoat or paint. As far as compatibility with gelcoat is concerned, I have never had a problem with West System as long as you follow their directions for removing the amine blush.

Also, to be on the safe side tape off the edge of the non-skid with duct tape so that if you do hit it with the sanding block or electric sander you won't bang up the finish. You should be able to repair those areas without getting into the non-skid.