As always there are different opinions, but I would at least bring the bottom paint to the water line. If you do not, you will get ugly growth where the hull sits in the water unpainted. At least this is true in salt water. My Flicka has her bottom paint about one and one half inches above the water line; I replaced the cove stripe. It is covered with antifouling paint. In this way, when she is loaded, I don't get growth. I am not suggesting that you put it up that far on your Montgomery. Enjoy, Bert Zephyr, M 15 # 365 ************** AOL Search: Your one stop for directions, recipes and all other Holiday needs. Search Now. (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212792382x1200798498/aol?redir=http... appy-holidays-from-aol-search/?ncid=emlcntussear00000001)