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1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011 2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260 3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.
It has been said numerous times on this site, "The best tool to use to remove bottom paint is your....WALLET"! I had the bottom paint on my Outrage soda blasted off. I paid ~$600. Mind you, after the job is done, you will still need to wetsand and buff the bottom to get it to look great. Many on here here have used soystrip with limited success. I have not tried soystrip or any chemical stripper, so I cannot comment.
Kevin
1988 11' Super Sport, 1987 Johnson 15hp.
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance
"Vegetarian - old Indian word for bad fisherman."
Congratulations on your purchase. That is a very desirable combination of boat and motor.
Whether you can return the bottom to its original condition will depend on how the bottom was prepped before it was first painted. If it was heavily sanded in preparation, you may not be able to resurrect the original gel coat shine.
If the bottom was merely etched or very lightly sanded, it may be possible to bring it back.
Even if you cannot get the bottom shiny again, you will certainly be able to remove the bottom paint and repaint it with a color that does not show.
Here is a photo of a 1988 Montauk with color matched bottom paint:
