First and most important step, establish what type of
paint was used previously. It will determine what your next steps will be. Take off a few chips large enough to test, or take to a
paint professional to test for you. Chances are that if the
paint is peeling off you will have to remove all of it to achieve a respectable job. (My guess is that it will be latex
paint) like house
paint. soak a rag with
paint thinner place chip in rag, cover for a few hours. If its softened, then you know where to start. If this is the case you could get away with a low temp heat gun and a scraper and wire brush. (don't cook the surface, or burn your boat to the water) Should it be a different type of
paint, your course of action will be different.