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I'd like to restore to original color. The hull is in great shape aside from the usual verticals stress cracks above the water line. Planning to sand, fill cracks, sand and paint. Below the water line is ashy black anti-fouling paint. I'd like to remove it and repaint (not with anti-fouling). Now for the questions: what was the original color? White? Off white? Can I buy the actual original color? Do I paint below the waterline with the same paint as above? Finally, what's the best method for removing old bottom paint? Thanks in advance for any tips.

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It is not paint, it is gelcoat.

Before you go down a very long road you can't turn around from, post some photos so we can see if the gelcoat is fixable.

I would start stripping the bottom paint with a non-toxic marine paint stripper. If too much, take it to a pro to soda blast.

Pressure washers are NOT a good idea, especially with older boats. It can strip the gelcoat right off the hull and force water into the hull.

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Thanks Phil. Are you referring to below the waterline or the entire outer hull? From the information I have gathered epoxy paint (at least above the waterline) is a viable option.

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The entire exterior and interior of the hull is gelcoat.

The bottom has received a coat of ablative bottom paint on top of the gelcoat.

Paint is an option, just one that should be thought through. Once painted, you can't go back, value takes a hit etc.

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The boat has been painted previously...although seemingly not well. If once painted there is no turning back, I have to paint...right? A relatively new product call the "Genius Bucket" has caught my attention. Advertised as an all in one kit for above and below the water line. Reviews are quite favorable. Just need to figure out the easiest way to remove the layers of bottom paint...and fill the vertical spider/stress cracks. I do appreciate your insite and welcome any further thoughts.