Paint Removal efficiency

[CTsalt12]

I just got a ballpark quote on sodablasting my 1989 Osprey 175, $450-500.  They haven't even seen the boat, mind you, just ballpark.  It's got the original paint job above waterline, and it looks like the bottom's been repainted a few times (albeit poorly as it's chipping off pretty good).  The above waterline paint isn't bad really, just chalky and sun faded and I'm really not a fan of the two tone gray/ white paint job of this era AS. Hoping to repaint above waterline with Awlgrip  and haven't really decided on the type of bottom paint.  

1.) Do you think this is a fair price?  
2.) More importantly, should I just buck up and do it myself?  I'm 23 so I've got plenty of energy.  I also have access to a pressure washer which could help removing the first layer of bottom paint, as well as orbital sander of course.
3.) Please give me some suggestions on your choice of bottom paint for a boat to be kept in saltwater in the Northeast all season, with maybe a few trailered trips.  The abundance of information in this area is overwhelming, I seem to find different answers everywhere I look.

Keep in mind I have limited experience removing and applying bottom paint (did one boat a few years ago, so not a complete n00b.)

[gran398]

The biggest reason for soda blasting would be to prep for re-gel. And the price you were quoted for a 17 foot boat is high.

Since you are repainting...and since you are young and energetic ...save a sheckle and do it yourself.

Blow off as much as you can with the pressure washer and sand the rest.

The bottom paint options in your area...our great NE members can help you there.

[Keith Knecht]

The grey and white on the sides is gelcoat and not paint if it's original.  Secondly, if you sand bottom paint be sure you are wearing some kind of protection.  A lot of bottom paint "dust" is very hazardous to your lungs and will give you some dandy head aches too if you're not careful.

[Capt. Bob]

You can always try E-Z Off oven cleaner first.
Never used it myself but it pops up on many different Forums as the shizzle.

Just sayin.

[dburr]

I sanded the bottom of a 15 ft whaler that had multiple coats of bottom paint with a random orbital sander.  I used 80-100-180-220 in small patches as I went along. The engine was off the boat and I had the boat on its side on the ground on plastic and used a shop vac to get the dust.  I did half the boat then rolled it over. Even in those conditions with the wind blowing the cartridges on my respirator turned blue, safety equipment is a must.  It cost the sanding discs, 2 boxes (50 each) of the 80 and 100 and one of the 220. The sander is a $60 Porter Cable (and it still lives) and about 8 hours of my time.  An A frame of 2x6s over the engine with a lift strap will get the engine off, you can tie the boat off to a tree and SLOWLY pull the trailer out from underneath it. If you can get set up in a similar fashion you can determine what your time is worth.

 As for good all season paint, I have used Interlux Micron Extra.  It will do just fine but you may have a stroke at the cost. The key is that it can be hauled and relaunched and still be effective..