I must have at least 8 layers of bottom paint on my . . .

[Ben87]

. . . hull.  I've been kicking around the idea of getting it off and starting new but I wonder;

Should I even bother?  Is the weight of the paint on the bottom an issue?  Does it slow me down?, other than being aesthetically unpleasing, I'd just slap another coat on and be done with it.

The boat will be 20 years old this spring and to spend the money and time in getting the old bottom paint off might not be worth it.  What would you do?  I would love to have a bare bottom then put a fresh coat of paint but I know it would not be easy.

[Shine]

I would take it off :)

[22FamilyFish]

I actually did what you are contemplating about 3 yrs ago to my '79 22.2.
I removed 5 layers(at least) of old seasonal epoxy based bottom paint using a heat gun and a 4" spackle knife.Yes,it was labor intensive and messy but I feel it was worth it.The only thing I had to watch was the gelcoat.The heat gun will soften it if you stay on a spot too long.
After all the paint was off (which took me the better half of 2 days) I sanded the bottom with a finishing sander(fine grit) until smooth and then rinsed off the dust.At this point I was going to apply a barrier coat next but instead took a shortcut.I mixed a 2 part epoxy system(I forget the name) into the (epoxy)bottom paint and applied.This served as my "fortified" base coat.Worked for me,no problems.

If your bottom paint is flaking off exposing the gelcoat,take it off.This means the original coat is losing adhesion to the hull and this will probably continue.Using ablative paint will also minimize build-up.

[LilRichard]

Just an FYI, I borrowed my buddy's sandblaster, loaded it up with sand, and blasted away.  I only did a 6 sqft test patch.  It took off four layers of bottom paint quickly, and I only have mild to moderate headaches from breathing in the dust.  

Ok, seriously, it does seem like the easiest way for someone like me who will be completely refinishing the bottom (with something like Imron) anyway.  I will post up some pics... but I will most likely do the rest of the hull this way when it comes time.  If you have access to a blaster, give it a try, and start SLOWLY.

Or you can pay $500-$600 and have it soda blasted like JimCt.

[billh1963]

Seems like soda blasting is the way to do it!

[Ben87]

I'm going to have to think about this.  I'm not sure if I want to spend much money on the boat because while it is good for now, I realize that the transom is on borrowed time, maybe 2-4 more seasons before it might be unsafe.   Right now the bottom looks horrible because I painted the bottom red with bottom paint this past spring and when I pressure washed it it took some of the paint right down to the gelcoat.  Then in parts where the red came off and was blue underneath, it shows blue and in some parts, green so it is all mish mashed looking.  I wonder if there is any performance loss with bottom paint?  Would it be due to the drag under the boat or is is the weight of the paint that would slow it down, or does it not even slow it down to make a difference?  Thanks for all the replies though, I will at least sand it down to whatever I can and repaint for next season.

[JimCt]

Consider any loss of speed an advantage; you get to be on the boat longer.

[Ben87]

So true, I didn't see it that way, ha!

[22FamilyFish]

Thats a good one Jim,lol.My feeling is the weight issue with bottom paint is neglible.Having a smooth bottom is what it's all about.Having a rough bottom will increase drag,decrease fuel economy and possibly slow you down a bit.The latter may or may not be a problem depending on your perspective [/u]