Stripping Bottom to Gelcoat -- Necessary?

[triton318]

When I bought my Triton 7 1/2 years ago, I didn't remove all of the existing bottom paint. I sanded the bottom and got it to the point where the paint that was on was on good. Then I put two coats of an ablative bottom paint on. About 3 1/2 years ago, I had the boat hauled and did the same thing.

Is there any particular reason why a person should strip off all of the bottom paint, down to the gelcoat, and then paint the bottom? The only thing I can think of is if you suspect some kind of problem, such as blisters or delamination somewhere.

The boat is on the hard now, and will be for at least a year and a half. I would strip off all of the bottom paint, down to the gelcoat, if there was a good reason to. If not, then...of course, why would I? (I've never done it, but from reading posts on various forums, it's not something I think I'd want to do either.)

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

[Tim]

Only to get a fresh start on the situation. If your paint's well adhered and in good condition, and you're happy with it, there's no reason to strip.

[Triton106]

Jay,

Up to this point I have done the same thing, i.e. sand off the loose paint and apply another coat or two of ablative paint on top of the old paint. But I think the next haul out I am going to strip it down to the gel coat. For one thing I want to see the condition of the gel coat but I will be doing it because after seeing how pretty the bottoms look on Tim's project website project after project I am a little embarrassed at the condition of Blossom's bottom. Frankly she deserves better. Just my two cents.

Regards,

Ray