Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by My4sons on 11/02/09 - 10:42 PM

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!

Posted by RevengeFamily on 11/03/09 - 4:42 AM

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

Posted by CES on 11/03/09 - 5:44 AM

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.

Posted by ioptfm on 11/03/09 - 5:57 AM

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.

Posted by brooks89 on 11/03/09 - 6:06 AM

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.

Posted by Binkie on 11/03/09 - 8:58 AM

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.

Posted by MW on 11/03/09 - 9:03 AM

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.

Posted by mattgeiger on 11/03/09 - 9:41 AM

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.