[petercra]

Stripping the bottom down is not an easy job no matter how it is done. I had let modified epoxy paint build up on my bottom for 12 years, with only a cursory sanding with a vibratory sander each year. The paint was peeling, pockmarged and had a rough surface. The short nap roller I had used didn''t apply the paint very smoothly.

My understanding is that there are three options:

1. Using a chemical stripper to remove the old paint. Peel Away got good reviews in Practical Sailor, although it''s expensive stuff (try Home Depot, for similar, but much cheaper Peel Away, but read the review carefully as it may not be as benign to fiberglass). Also, depending on the thickness, it may be necessary to apply multiple times. It also requires a certain temperature to work properly (50-60 degrees F as I recall). Since you''re discussing a trip to Mexico, I assume you live in a warm climate so this probably isn''t an issue. The process is time consuming according to the people I''ve talked with.

2. Using a sander or grinder to remove the old bottom paint. This is very time consuming, but works regardless of temperature (I live in the Northeast). It probably took me 60-80 hours for my 33 footer, and I didn''t remove all of the old layers, just the excess buildup and peeling and pockmarked areas (end result was quite smooth). You must also be very careful to avoid sanding too long on bare gelcoat. Use a good orbital sander. Be sure to use a good mask and goggles and protective suit. The product of sanding is very fine bottom paint everywhere. Even with protection you''ll be the color of your boat''s bottom after every session. The process of holding a sander above your head is very tiring. I was able to work only 4-5 hours per day.

3. Blasting with walnut shells or some other material which is hard enough to remove the old paint but not hard enough to damage the gelcoat. Cost is $1000 I understand, but it needs to be available where you have your boat hauled out.

In retrospect I wish I had tried the walnut shell blasting, but unfortunately I didn''t decide to strip the bottom until after the boat had been hauled. I also expected the sanding to go more quickly. In the end I suspect the stripper might have worked better.

I can''t argue with the result, however. I switched to Micron Extra, applied with a West System epoxy roller (3 coats, 4 coats on the keel, rudder and waterline). The boat''s bottom is very smooth. Yesterday, in light airs of 7-8 knots apparent, I was doing 5+ knots on a close reach. That''s significantly faster than the old rough bottom, even with a new coat of paint. It''s way faster than prior end of season performance.

We''ll see how the Micron Extra holds up through the season. My understanding is that a pressure washer will remove old paint pretty quickly, but I''m not sure that''s what you want as the old paint (unlike modified epoxy), is still good. I believe that limited washing and scrubbing is appropriate, followed by an additional coat or two, if needed.