: I've got two Panaches' that got used pretty hard last summer out on the
: Pacific Coast where the barnacles and rocks grow bigger and sharper.
: I'm going to have to revarnish and I'd like to cover as many of the scratches
: as I can, as well as I can but the boats were made to be used and I'm not
: a perfectionist.
: My question is "do I have to sand down to the epoxy before I repaint and
: water sand or can I just give the boats a light buffing before I begin? If
: I can buff, what grit should I use?"

I re-varnish my boats for shows almost every other year. Remove all your deck hardware and wash off the surfaces. If you can't remove something mask it with masking tape. Sand with 220 wet/dry paper and water. Just scuff the surface. Wipe the surface clean with a sponge and clean water. Dry. And re-varnish. Do two coats and 99% of your scratches will disappear. It's very easy and your boat will look like new. This is one of the great things about strippers.

All the best,
Rob