I painted the bottom of my M17. I just looked at the photo gallery of M17's in the water to see where the water line was at midship. That's the nice thing about wrinkle boats. You can measure it pretty easily. Now, having said that, I'm in the process of raising the water line an inch. I think that's just because I carry too much crap. And beer!! But I'd rather raise the water line than cut back!! IMHO, I would definitely start with an epoxy barrier paint. But I'll yield to the pros that contribute to this group. Joe SeaFrog M17 ----- Original Message ----- From: Karen and Smiley To: Montgomery Sailboat Forum Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 7:27 AM Subject: M_Boats: Bottom paint and water line determination THINKING, of painting a virgin Monty 15 bottom, where would I start to figure out a proper water line. If one was to poll the gallery could one find out how many keep your Monty's wet for the season? Thanks Smiley M 15, # 616. Very soon to arrive to its new home. Smiley magoo252@comcast.net _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats When posting, remember that there is no privacy on the Internet!