Auto wax vs marine wax, is there a difference?

I've always used a 3M marine cleaning wax on boat or jetskis, always worked great. I think since you are dealing with a marine-specific finish you should stick with intended products.

I used to use all kinds of fancy car waxes but now just use Nu-Finish, works and very easy to apply and buff off.

I use a sealer rather than a wax for the base. Menzerna is what I use. Then a spray quick wax retailer for wipe down each trip and it's good to go.

Are there any other permanent or semi permanent options to wax. Such as something like gator glide?

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Auto wax vs marine wax, is there a difference?

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About 3.50

I may or may not have even used boat wax on a motorcycle without it combusting into flames, big risk but well worth it IMHO.

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Meguiars M6732 Marine RV One Step Compound 
or 
3M Marine Restorer and Wa

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No, Those are both very mild rubbing compounds. New boat with gelcoat in good shape you won't need those.

Look at the Menzerna Power Lock sealer

The sealer will give a really slick surface and great UV protection. Then you can do any wax you like for a really good finish. The wax will wear, but the sealer will last much longer. Like i said, I use a quick wax retailer when I wipe the boat down. Lasts all summer that way.

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Thanks for the advice but I should clarify. I bought the boat used, does that change your recommendation?

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Go by West Marine and pick up a big jug of the generic polish wax, it will work just fine.

I always used 3m marine. You are dealing with very different surfaces. Gel coat =/= paint and clear coat. Now is there an actual difference in results I don't know. But for the 20 something dollars I spent to have a separate wax for the boat, it wasn't really worth it for me to try it out.

I'd put 2 or 3 coats of 3m on at the beginning of the spring (was a 16' flats boat so not too difficult), then wax once again towards the end of summer. Scum line never once stayed on the boat. Easy pass through a car wash knocked a weekend of sitting at the dock off.

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Thanks for the advice but I should clarify. I bought the boat used, does that change your recommendation?

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Not really. It all depends on the condition of your gel and how you want it to look. If it is faded, has oxidation, or scratches / swirl marks, you will need to use a rubbing compound and a polish - maybe wet sand depending on severity - to get the gel surface in good condition. That's separate from the wax or sealer.

Once the gel is in the condition you are happy with, the sealer will create a layer of protection. You will want to use a good polisher/buffer to apply the sealer because the heat helps. Its hard to apply a good sealer by hand. You wont be able to lift your arms after. Sealer will give it a hard coat on top of the gel. It lasts much longer than wax - but usually isn't quite as "slick" of an appearance. That's why you do the wax or quick wax on top to give it that final slick look.

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woody wax

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This