paint stripping

So, I want to refinnish my new to me 18. It has one badly applyed and oxidized coat of paint over the gelcoat. Coupe of basic questions?

1. Sand paper or chemical stripper to remove old paint?
2. Can I use gelcoat after the paint is removed or should I just repaint it?

All advice considered, links are helpfull too

Thanks KDJ

Don't know about paint remover, I would say yes, if it's OK on fiberglass/gel and its non-toxic. Sanding is OK but be careful not to go thru the gel underneath. Why? Cause I would do anything not to have to re-paint/re-gel a cat. Too much weight and too much effort for the gain. See what you have under the paint and 9x out of 10, you can sand/buff back to life, especially if its white. I'd much rather have a duller yellow than a painted on brighter yellow. Good luck.BTW, gel is heavy and harder to apply but strong, paint is lighter but easier to apply and of course chips easier (bottoms will be toast shortly after painting).

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H18, H17 & Various motor boats