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Alright it’s been a year and a half since I started thinking about this and still can’t decide so you guys get to choose.

Should the boot stripe follow the chine like usual or the water line?


https://share.icloud.com/photos/09791oY ... O-ptJALKKQ

Depends on how you load the boat. I'd put it a couple of inches above the waterline with the boat empty.

On my 75 the original boot stripe was 1/2 inch above the chine.

The best way of handling it is to drop her in loaded with fuel, see how she sits in the water, mark it and raise it a bit for when you load it. Otherwise, the stripe might sit partially submerged and then you will always be cleaning scum and barnacles off the area.

Remember, what you put in the cabin area will lower the bow more than the stern. I think that is why the 1/2 inch on mine worked with gas engines. Not so much with diesel. I would say that with the 270 Cummins, about an inch of the stern chine area is underwater when full of fuel.

This is the holy grail of questions... I had the same question back when I bought my boat.
Whoever I discussed it with, each had a very strong oppinion on their choice.
Finally, I remained with the waterline decision because my boat was painted "sky blue" and in order to pass bottom paint up to the chine would require to remove the color in the area, which was an additional project and I had a bunch to deal with already.

In your case, given the beautiful grey color that gives your boat an spear-like look, I'd put the bottom paint up to the waterline. Bottom paint becomes dull after a while and is not so nice to look at, compared to this nice shiny grey.

My opinion says follow the chine with the boot strip. However, keep your bottom paint confined to what you have painted white. i.e. don't take the bottom paint to the chine at the bow.

Chine.........

I think following the chine enhances the boats classic lines.


I can’t say I dislike following the waterline, I’ve seen some boats were it looks good, provides a more modern look. But the pink elephant in the room is that the boats lines/chines are seemingly ignored being painted over.

My vote....Boot follows the chine, and bottom paint follows the waterline

https://www.simplygoodstuff.com/rubber_ ... 51ede8e4d8

Since the consensus is follow the chine, which is what I did, you will need one of these. I find that after being in the water for a few weeks, I need to give the area a cleaning. I found this works perfectly. It has a squeegee side if things get a little stubborn.