Ok now what? Old Vinyl Removal.

[toocoys]

Well this was ton's of fun. Window scraper, heat gun, and four hours of fun!

Now what? Sand, compound and wax, paint?

 

[Bacchus]

"Now what? Sand, compound and wax, paint?"

I would try the least aggressive first in a small area.
Is the area under the old name raised to the touch? If so might need very fine (1200 - 1500) wet/dry and a block
Swirl remover or Rubbing compound on a random / dual action polisher w wool or cutting foam pad. Do an area and see how it looks.
You'd be surprised how much the new name will hide even if there is a slight visible shadow from the old.
I did not wax before applying new name.. wait till after and apply/ remove by hand. No need for machine once the surface is smooth & shiny.
I have switched away from wax and use polymers on boat, car, motorhome... way easier to apply and remove.

 

[toocoys]

The old name isn't raised to the touch, but its definitely smooth. I wish all the gel coat was that smooth.

 

[ghost]

Do a moderate compound, maybe even wet sand a smidge, but set your expectations that the sun will need to do its job. If you try to make it perfect, you will remove too much material. Give it some time.

 

[caltexflanc]

Try some oven cleaner. In fact, that's what i would have started with: usually gets all that lettering right off in a matter of minutes. Follow the directions!

 

[dhays]

I have taken off vinyl lettering on my last two boats. In each case, the old name never completely disappeared. On my first boat, I compounded, polished, and waxed myself and it never disappeared. On my current boat, I paid a professional to compound, polish and wax. He was more successful than I at removing the ghost name, but it is still visible in the right light.

Good luck.