I need some bottom paint advice

Posted By: Matt ('90 S25 Caribbean Soul)
Date: 4/7/09 8:48a.m.

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I've avoided it as long as possible, but the time has come to freshen up my bottom paint. I'm a first timer and could use some advice. I've found several books and how-tos, but almost every one of them recommends a different method. Most didn't mention what type of paint. My boat currently has West Marine CPP ablative paint on it. Seemed to work well, but after the second season large portions of it have come off. So what is the most efficient way to go about freshening this up before launch? Do I need to scrape off or otherwise remove the old stuff? The ablative literature I've read seems to indicate "no sanding" necessary -- just touch up the bad spots and go. What sort of prep would be done in that case? Does having it out of the water for 6 months matter? Also, it wasn't obvious to me, do I need a barrier coat?