Scraping the bottom paint

[Hunter 2]

  I attempted to scrape off the old bottom paint last weekend on my 36 year old Chris Craft lancer, Several layers off paint are on the  boat. Many spots are peeling and flaking off. I was using a 2" wide heavy scraper. The paint came right off in some spots. It took some muscle in other spots. I got tired after a while then realized My back was killing me, It still hurts today! Plus the boat being on the trailer did not make things as easy.  A couple of times I noticed I scratched the bottom with the scraper. The scratches are about as thick as a business card. Should I worry about this?   Anyone know of a better method?   I also found a few small holes in the bottom. They are about the size of a sunflower seed without the shell. I don't think they penetrate through the hull. My dad recommended using permatex to fill the holes then sanding flush later. The new bottom paint will cover everything.  Any advise will be helpfull.
  I am trying to remove all the bottom paint so I can see what kind of shape the hull is really in..

[fishinsurfer]

Hunter 2-I also scraped all of my bottom paint off of my old boat a 26 Shamrock. I used a 3" razor blade scraper. You are right it is very taxing on the body. I did mine a little at a time on breezy days so as to avoid breathing the dust (even though I used a respirator). I also tried to catch as much of the toxic paint chips as I could with a drop cloth.  If you remove the trailer and block up the boat you would have a much easier time. I also put a couple of gouges in the hull nothing too bad did'nt penetrate the gel coat. You mentioned you a just a few "holes" through the gel coat and not major blistering - I would use Marinetex (what you meant?) and sand smooth. When you are done with the scraping, you could sand and apply a barrier coating before the bottom paint. Or just the bottom paint. That is
up to you. Good Luck,
Capt. Rick

[Hunter 2]

Thanks

[SouthPaw]

I used a 1/4 sheet palm sander to remove my paint. However I didn't go down to the gelcoat. I just smoothed the surface to put another coat on. Didn't take it down to the gelcoat. And taking the boat off the trailer makes the job so much easier. Use caution when/if you do take it off the trailer. Good luck.

[Luna Sea 5]

I just scrape off loose paint with a wire brush, and paint over those spots.

[Great Bay Junky]

I just powerwash it. It takes it all off for the most part.

[Hunter 2]

Just got a price on sodablasting the bottom of my 23' boat. Around $860 ouch!, Guess I will have to do it myself! I will try the pressure washer first. I really want to get all the paint off to see what I'm dealing with.

[wingshooter]

try the powerwashing,, but if you want it ll out completely you might have to soda blast it

[Luna Sea 5]

i also powerwash, then scrape what I can't get to get a smooth finish.  If I am not mistaken, you don't have to totally strip the bottom for about 5 years, then start over again.

[mboy]

Eddie, call the marina and ask them what they charge. Charging me like 575 to paint bottom this year.

[Luna Sea 5]

Eddie, call the marina and ask them what they charge. Charging me like 575 to paint bottom this year.

that is expensive, especially since your boat is already lined... The paint itself is about $100.00 per gallon and I did my boat 4 time with 1 gallon...  That is a crazy price.

[Reckless]

  My marina is charging 10 bucks a foot. That sounds fair to me.

[CapBob]

As was stated I powerwash when pulled out, then a scrapper wire brush before painting........


Then the paint $199 a gal, but nothing and I mean nothing grows on it barnacles/slime nothing.  Price comes down a tad to $145 a gal with my Port Supply card at West Marine

Glad to pay the extra for the paint as it save a ton of work in the end.....

[Luna Sea 5]

  My marina is charging 10 bucks a foot. That sounds fair to me.

i guess thats ok, but if there is anything you can do yourself, its painting the bottom. 

[Reckless]

 Try this method for removing paint.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=l-WB7M_9rEE&NR=1

[Luna Sea 5]

lol saw that before.. i am sure it will work

[Hunter 2]

Wow, I don't recommend that!