First time bottom paint

[fishingjim48]

Just got a clean 1984 V20, I want to paint the bottom. Do I use the striping as a guide to mask, I'm thinking just below the striping. Any help will be appreciated Thanks fishingjim48

[inaforty]

I would put the boat in the water and let the water make a scum line to follow.
All boats sit in the water differently depending on engine size and equipment etc.

If the boat is in good shape I would seriously consider applying a barrier coat before bottom paint. It protects the gel coat from absorbing water and will help keep the value of your boat. Many might think this is over kill for a V20 but these hulls seem to be increasing in value esp if they are well cared for.

I've used water base bottom paint on all of our boats the past two season.
It works surprisingly well. Easy clean up and the paint goes much further then solvent base paints I've used.
This is the paint we use.
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...+Bottom+Paint+

A gallon of Hydrocoat does our 35' Bertram.

[fishingjim48]

Barry, thanks for your response, I will do as you say and put it back in the water. As for the barrier coat my hull looks great so I will start with it. Thanks again fishingjim48

[Destroyer]

Unless your boat is going to sit in the water at a slip I wouldn't paint the hull at all. If it's a trailer queen, or if it's going to sit out it's idle life on a boat lift out of the water, painting the hull is like taking a shower with a raincoat on. Why bother?

[fishingjim48]

I plan on keeping it docked about 3 or 4 month a year, if I thought I could get out of painting I would, but nice clean hull now, want to keep it that way.