Removing Paint

The hulls of my hobie 18 were painted with primer by the previous owner and then the refurb stalled for 10 years. The hulls are in good shape except a soft spot on the starboard hull forward of the rear crossbar. My question, heat gun, sanding or paint stripper and if paint stripper would citristrip negatively impact the yellow gel coat, other choices?

Paint stripper and a scotchbright pad first, then sandpaper. To me the heat and the foam under the glass don't mix.

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1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net