Thanks to all who chimed in to my query about topside paints. It's nice to know there is a community of like minded people out there who are also crazy enough, obsessed enough to commit to the care and feeding of these marvelous boats. The decision on how to proceed with the topside repaint came down to fulfilling two requirements 1) Cost 2) Safety I got a quote from a local auto body shop who will paint the topsides from the waterline to the deck joint with their primer and two coats of Valspar 2 part paint for $600.00. This includes the cost of the paint. My plan is to use the boat for 5 years, at which point I'll be 68 and probably ready to downsize again. Monty 12? My safety concerns are centered around exposure to toxic compounds. We cannot put a price on our health and on the health of our families and neighbors(not to mention our pets). I would rather pay someone to apply these substances who is experienced in their use and proper disposal and who has the proper facility to handle them safely. We still don't know what causes cancer. but I don't want to take any risks. I an still deciding on how to get the bottom painted. A local marina quoted $1000 to apply bottom paint. That includes material, set up, environmental fees and labor. I need to have them quote application of a barrier coat. The boat will be in the water all summer (fresh) and I think it wise to take Bob Egg's advise on product and application of a barrier coat. What I really want is to get thru this process and start a new sailing season! I'll post photos when all is done. Jon Barber Monty17 #44 Modesto, CA Check this link to an essay by E.B. White https://genius.com/E-b-white-the-sea-and-the-wind-that-blows-annotated P.S. Is there a tutorial on how to use this site? Fair Winds!