Top line for first bottom paint.

[ifishinri]

I have a "new to me" 17' center console that has always been kept on a trailer. I will be keeping it here in RI on Narragansett Bay (salt water). My delemma is figuring an easy way to establish the top line to tape off on the hull for the bottom paint.

I guess I'll put in the water on a very calm day, lean over from the dock and put some blue painter's tape up about 2 inches from the water all along the hull ?? Does two inches do it ?? Then take it out of the water and back to the marina and use a chalk snapline to get the line right ?? Then do the final tape and paint it. How does that sound ??

Does anybody have a different method ?? OR suggestions ???

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Top line for first bottom paint.

put it in the water for 2 weeks. You will see a scum line when you pull it out.
You can't mark the waterline with you in it.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Top line for first bottom paint.

Like you thought, put the boat in the water for a moment. Now stick a spot of masking tape at the waterline on the bow, where the water crosses the chine (1/3 back from bow), the middle, and stern corner. Pull her out and let dry. Now connect the dots with masking tape, prime and paint.

It doesn't need to be as accurate as one might think, since the waterline changes every time you step aboard, or add a cooler or person.