What would you do?

[moombroo]

I took a closer look at the paint and I'm pretty certain that it is simply a clear coat with a "flip flop" additive sprayed over the original black gelcoat. No primer or solid colored paint was used and it appears to be sprayed on very thin. The areas where the "decals" are airbrushed on is pretty thick, but I feel it wouldn't present to big a problem.

Ok, I did some checking after seeing this and reading your replies... Tell me what you think. I found that E-Z Off oven cleaner can and will strip paint from gel coat without damage to the gel coat itself if it is used reasonably and not left on to long. Also, there is a company called Back To Nature that makes a paint remover called Ready Strip Marine that will not harm gel coat. It has no methylene chlorides or caustics, which ultimately are what soften the gelcoat and damage it, which is why you can't use a normal paint stripper off your local Walmart or Home Depot shelf.

Sorry for the long replies, just really value you guys opinions, especially on a issue this complex.

[kaneboats]

When I got my Outback a couple years ago it had scratches and stuff all over it. I wetsanded the whole hull and buffed it out. The gel coat is thick enough to do it if you use the right paper. Do a search here and on wakeworld and you'll find all kinds of info. If you can strip the paint off the surface without causing too much damage-- go for it. Get a decent buffer. Do a section at a time and you'll have a new boat. It'll take some time and some work but you'll have a great looking boat.