Hi Arnold, Boat yards have been known to put a layer of sawdust in the water on a calm day, then lower the boat in the water. When the boat is lifted out the sawdust clings to the hull marking the waterline. This probably isn't a practical solution for most "do-it-yourself" types (ie perfectly calm water, dumping sawdust in the water, etc.). But I thought it was clever and it works well for the pros. Jim M-17 "Spirit" On Dec 3, 2008, at 5:40 PM, Arnold Sharpe wrote:
M sailors, A couple of months ago I recall someone out there asking how one goes about accurately painting the waterline on a lapstrake hull....like my M-17 "Little Breeze". A good question because my last attempt was pretty sloppy (I had a difficult time treading water while trying to paint ). This afternoon while working in the shop I got an idea which I am anxious to try and wondered if anyone had already tried it. Among my many tools is a laser level. What if I put "Little Breeze" on her trailer.leveled her up fore and aft and athwart ships, set the laser level up about 20-30 ft away, adjusted it to match the existing waterline mark at any place and then penciled where the laser line was along the rest of the hull. As soon as I get a clear (not raining) day I'll try it and let you all know, in the meantime, if you have any comments, or have already tried it, let me know...Regards. Arnold Sharpe, M-17 #265, "Little Breeze"
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