removing paint

[todd d]

I have a 1988 Mach 1 bowrider fiberglass. The previous owner hand painted a large stripe along the top edge (looks like my 6 year old did it) as well as bottom paint. The boat will now live on a trailer so I don't need the bottom paint.

Two issues. First, what should I use to remove the paint? It's pretty loose and is starting to flake off in places. I think a scraper would take most of it off, but what do you use for the paint that remains. I've heard that Easy off oven cleaner eats the paint but not the gelcoat. Any other suggestions or comments?

Second, it looks like he sanded the entire hull before painting. Is there any way to buff out the scratches and restore the gelcoat?

 

[ghamby]

Re: removing paint

Oh baby!
How righteous do you want her to look? There are strippers for fiberglass
http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/.
The sanded gel coat will need wet sanding out to about 1000 grit, then rubbing compound, then polishing compound. This is a LOT of work. In my
case a LOT of beer.
Is this boat: love, lust, or a weekend fling? Ya gotta ask yourself; How much
time and money is she worth. A class A restoration job is about satisfying yourself. It's also cool to get the nod from fellow boaters that she's looking
good.
Good luck, keep us posted, send pics. GH