[WillyC]

I have used a product called aqua strip to remove topside paint and had excellent results. A good buddy used it on the bottom paint of his 30+ year old cape dory and he had good results. Some areas required two applications and the best results were achieved by spraying the stripper with water from a small spray bottle (409 cleaner type of bottle) to keep the aqua stripper wet. That being said I sanded the bottom of my 20 seacraft with a random orbital. The boat was upside down so the dust wasn't constantly falling in my face. I had great results. A tyvec suit and a good respirator is a must. No cheap white dust masks for this job.