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Yesterday I decided to take the bottom paint off the boat. This is one of my least favorite jobs, mainly due to the dust it generates- dust that gets under your fingernails and every other nook and cranny within 50 feet. It is possible to cut out the dust problem by damp sanding but then you are covered in wet muddy dust splatters and usually end up lying in dampness under the boat. A full face respirator and tyvek suit is almost mandatory for this reason and to protect your health. Hearing protection isn't a bad idea either, and helps to keep dust out of your ears despite wearing a hood.

This and the following post shows what you can get done in one hour on a flat surface. Of course, the bottom is not a flat surface and one has to be very careful around chines and even rounded areas to keep from zipping right through the full thickness of gelcoat.

Start photo: (maybe someone can PM as to how to put two photos in a single post)