Old ablative bottom paint

[SunsetSailor2]

I am a new to me owner. The hunter 28.5 has been on the hard for 4yrs. The soft Ablative bottom paint looks like it has several old coats & seems to be in decent condition. What should I do?
Sand bottom & Launch
Sand bottom 1-2 coats of new ablative?
Soda blast seal & paint?
Just launch it?
Thank You

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

What should I do?
Sand bottom & Launch

Sand bottom 1-2 coats of new ablative?

Soda blast seal & paint?
Just launch it?
Thank You

I would suggest:

Wet the work area well (with a hose) to soften the paint
Scrub the area with a dishwashing scrub pad
As long as you see some ablative paint being removed, you're in business.
Let it dry and you're good for two new coats of ablative.

All ablative paint is good paint (even the old stuff). As long as you have material there it's going to ward off growth. A light scrubbing will ensure there's just enough rough surface to grip the new paint but not enough to waste the old paint.

 

[DougMc]

I find a coarse Scotch pad, works well on ablative paint. It removes top layer just like sailing. The pad is less likely to damage gel coat or epoxy coatings. I have boat power washed in fall and the use scotch pad in spring where it does not look good. I follow this with a touch up of new paint.