1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011
2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260
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Establishing A Water Line and/or Boot Stripe
My4sons	#1  Posted on 11/02/09 - 10:42 PM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/08/08	I Have a 1986 15' Whaler SS with bottom paint from previous owners. I want to get a feel for what the audience opinion is for 1st, establishing a correct waterline and 2nd, a feel for if it should have boot stripe as well? I've read about setting the boot tape an inch or two above the waterline. I'm not sure what I want the final look to be. Prefer a "Virgin" bottom but in guess it had been docked at one time. Also any suggestions on colors, BW Red? And where to purchase? Thanks!
RevengeFamily	#2  Posted on 11/03/09 - 4:42 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 192 Comments: 2 Joined: 06/21/08	Of course if I kept my Revenge on a trailer there would be no bottom paint, however she does stay in salt for about 2 weeks during my summer vacation. So unfortunately bottom paint is a must. Regarding the location of my bottom paint, I keep it an 1/8" above the water line. The previous owner allowed the paint to creep higher and higher above the water line. I don't allow it to "creep" when I repaint it. As far as a stripe, that is a personel choice. Some guys say if it wasn't there when it left the factory it shouldn't be there now. I have a nice "Whaler red" stripe two inches above the water line on my 1967 Nauset. I think it looks pretty sharp. The stripe is 1" wide and runs along the transom and the flat sides of the hull. It does not run all the way to the bow. All the best, Norm Edited by RevengeFamily on 11/03/09 - 4:49 AM 1999 280 Conquest w/twin 225 Mercs "When the people fear their government there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty." Thomas Jefferson
CES	#3  Posted on 11/03/09 - 5:44 AM
Member Personal Page Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 2681 Comments: 7 Joined: 04/27/07	When I painted boat bottoms as a kid growing up in South Florida, the marina I worked at would put the boat in the water for a couple of days to find out where the actual water line was. Then, after we pulled the boat out, we'd tape off a line about 1 inch above the actual water line and call it good. Each new bottom I painted turned out perfectly that way. Cliff 1966 13' Sport with a 1993 40hp Yamaha 2 Smoker
ioptfm	#4  Posted on 11/03/09 - 5:57 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1533 Comments: 3 Joined: 10/28/06	I did the same thing Cliff suggested.........You have to take in account what weight load might be in the boat while moored. I did mine a little over an inch above the water line and actually a little more at the stern. Tom 1979 Sport 15'
brooks89	#5  Posted on 11/03/09 - 6:06 AM
Member Posts: 177 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/24/07	RevengeFamily wrote: Of course if I kept my Revenge on a trailer there would be no bottom paint, however she does stay in salt for about 2 weeks during my summer vacation. So unfortunately bottom paint is a must. Two weeks in salt water doesn't make bottom paint a must. Especially if you are on vacation and using the boat frequently. I know people who trailer their boats but travel and will put in for a few weeks at a time everywhere from the Bahamas to Long Island with no bottom paint and no ill effects. Just give it a good bath when you take her out.
Binkie	#6  Posted on 11/03/09 - 8:58 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 2012 Comments: 0 Joined: 12/19/05	I like boot stripes on boats, with the exception of Boston Whalers. I don`t know why though, it doesn`t seem natural to me. But that's my problem. Rich
MW	#7  Posted on 11/03/09 - 9:03 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1827 Comments: 10 Joined: 01/08/06	Red look's good, I leave my bottom "Blue" with no stripe, it's less work, I keep the cushion's or any accessory in "Red", "White", or "Blue", to keep the theme. Matt
mattgeiger	#8  Posted on 11/03/09 - 9:41 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 310 Comments: 2 Joined: 02/22/07	Binkie wrote: I like boot stripes on boats, with the exception of Boston Whalers. I don`t know why though, it doesn`t seem natural to me. But that's my problem. Agree. I like Boot stripes on sailboats, but on a Whaler - it mucks up the natural lines of the hull. Cape Dory 28 Hobie 20 Miracle A Class Catamaran
TechTeach	#9  Posted on 11/03/09 - 1:07 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 120 Comments: 1 Joined: 06/09/09	Check out my personal page, I just have to raise the back part about an inch.