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Hello - Seeking some advice on the waterline on my "new" 1980 Outrage V-20, 1995 Mariner 175, 2.5L. Purchased from dealer, runs beautifully, although she porpoises from time to time. Anyway, a few folks have commented on the fact that either the waterline was painted too low or she's sitting too low. Regaring the latter, she doesn't feel heavy at all.
I can't see any evidence of a previous, higher waterline. Thoughts? Photos below.
The waterline is fine. Bottom paint protects the hull against marine growth while at rest. As Phil notes, the waterline when the boat is tied up without anybody aboard is what matters.
Whether the waterline is high enough on the topsides will depend on if you moor in a quiet slip or on a mooring in the bay where there is more wave action. For moorings where there is wave action, you need to bring the bottom paint higher so the hull does not get a "beard".
In general, I see bottom paint waterline brought up way too high and prefer they be kept closer to the water.
Your boat may be slightly stern down because it appears somebody stuck a temporary on-deck fuel tank (looks like a Moeller 24 gallon) in the very stern. That's a lousy place for a bunch of fuel.
If you replace the built in fuel tank you can ditch that plastic tank, free up a whole lot of valuable deck space and get the hull floats more level as well as double your range.
Thanks, Tom. Regarding the fuel tank, we have no reason to believe it has problems but we haven't yet inspected it (the internal tank). We wanted to run a tank of known, good fuel through her to start. Thoughts on determining whether or not the internal tank has sludge in her or will be otherwise problematic?
First, have all the fuel lines been change from the tank to the engine and from the fill to the internal tank? If not that should be done ASAP, but I suspect they were changed with the new engine was added.
To check the internal tank, use the primer bulb and pump some of the gas into a glass jar and let it set. If it looks clear with no gunk in it, then I wouldn't worry too much. Do you know how old the fuel is, and does the boat have a water separator filter for the internal tank? If it doesn't have a filter, i would add a rancor with a clear bowl so you can visually inspect the quality of the fuel. If all that checks out, go for it. If your still scared, depending on how much fuel is in the tank, pump out what you can and use it in your lawnmower. Fill the internal tank with fresh gas.
