A boat's gelcoat is the outer layer of the fiberglass hull. The gelcoat is a layer of resin that protects the hull, sealing the fiberglass beneath from the elements including water, moisture and the sun's ultraviolet rays. The gelcoat also gives the boat its color and provides a glossy finish, much like paint on a car.
Further reading about boat gelcoat:
Boat Maintenance - Restoring or Maintaining Your Boat's Gelcoat

