Best way to remove bottom paint

[Jwall]

Hello, I am new to boating & i just bought my 1999 Grady White Adventure 20. I would like to remove the bottom paint as it is coming off already. I attached pictures for reference. Has anyone done this before on their Grady White? What is the best method? Thanks in advance.

 

[kirk a]

Best method is to write a check.

You are on a trailer, easy to bring somewhere to have them deal with the mess and aggravations.

 

[Hookup1]

Like Kirk said it's best to have someone who does this work do it for you. Where are you located? It helps others to help you! Put in your profile.

Process is to soda blast the bottom, install a barrier coat (goes on in multiple coats) and then bottom paint (two coats of an ablative paint). It's a dirty, labor intensive and difficult position (under boat) job. Important to have it done right.

 

[SkunkBoat]

https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/bottom-blasted.38557/

 

[seasick]

There is a big difference between removing old bottom paint with the intent to reapply new bottom paint as opposed to thinking you can easily remove all bottom paint and return the hull to its original gel coat look. The later being much more labor and expense. It also requires someone who knows what they are doing. If you are looking to reapply new bottom paint, the job is easier but still a pain.

Last time I priced a blasting, barrier coat and new bottom paint, the estimate was $95 a foot. I am sure its a more today.

For the DIY type, Sanding the old paint completely off may not be necessary depending on a few factors. If the previous owner kept the boat in the water for long periods (weeks and more at a time) and boats in waters similar to where you will boat and if there are no blisters, a lightish sanding and a simple primer followed by bottom paint is doable (but still a pain). As folks have mentioned, look at having someone do the job. It's worth the expense and they can also tell you what they think is necessary

 

[DennisG01]

As noted above, before we go too far down one path or the other... what is your desired end result?

And... the brand of boat makes absolutely no difference - it's just gelcoat - the same as thousands and thousands and thousands of other boats

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

One of the worst and unhealthiest jobs on a boat is removing bottom paint, on a trailer its even much worst.
Did this at work and would never ever do it again.

• Blasting the old stuff off is the best solution, less messy and less invasive if doen by a experienced pro
• using paint remover is a total mess and you need to deal with very hash chemicals
• Sanding it down is not feasible as poisonuous dust will go everywhere, from your lungs to neighbours yard

Just find a company who do it for you and enjoy boating after.

Chris