: Appropriate simplification would be sand away all sharp edges, and
: then stop. If you were really particular you could buff the
: sanded area smooth. But, if you are retired and have time on
: your hands, you could do the reconstructive gel-coat work you
: are considering.

There is a void that extends forward and aft of the hole, making it impossible to sand smooth the sharp edges without enlarging the hole, because there is just a paper thin layer of gel coat, then air, then the fiberglass mat they used to lay up the deck. In any case, I won't get to it until it stops raining, so that'll give more people a chance to weigh in. Must be a slow news day...