Can you remove bottom paint?

[cwhogan]

I bought my '06 C-180CS this spring. It had bottom paint from the dealer and based on the problems I had with the leaking ride plate I suspect this was to cover the fact that it sat in salt/brackish water for a couple seasons.

The bottom paint is black and rubs off on anything that comes into contact with it. I think it slows down the boat and is generally something I wish I didn't have on the boat.

Does anyone know if bottom paint can successfully be removed without trashing the hull?

 

[RobertV]

Yes you can.

Some have the paint soda blasted off, some scrape it off and some use strippers. Option one is costly, but you are not exposed to the nasty chemicals in the bottom paint. If you do it yourself be sure to wear proper protection and collect all the paint for proper disposal.
I have seen on forums that a scraper used properly with the blade perpendicular to the hull should not damage the gelcoat which is much harder than the bottom paint that you are removing.
I have been told that Peel Away is a good stripper.
I am going to try to strip my 34 Silverton this winter. I am not looking forward to that job.
Do a google search for removing bottom paint on google.