CONTINUOUSWAVE

Give me measurements or diagrams or pointers to them for applying bottom paint for a classic 15-foot hull.

Thanks, Doug

DOUG--A good method to develop guides for bottom paint is to mark the waterline of the hull when the boat is in the water with a typical load. You can apply some tape at various places on the hull if the boat is in really calm and still water.

In this way the actual water line for your boat will be marked, which may be different from the water line indicated in a drawing made by the factory or by another boater.

While there was a diagram from the factory, it will not be accurate and of no use to you.

Splash your boat with a full fuel load and normal gear. Mark the hull with a grease pencil. Paint the hull slightly above the line.

PHIL--I like your idea of using a grease pencil to mark the water line of the boat.

Also, if two end points of the water line are marked, use of a laser revolving beam could assist in laying out a straight line between those two end points. I think such devices may be possible to rent.

I was hoping to avoid having to splash the boat in the winter, but [having to put the boat in the water in order to determine its true waterline] does not [appear to be avoidable].