In further prep for applying Biscuit's new topcoat of Alexseal (hull, decks, cockpit), I worked over the weekend to strike her waterline and uppermost portion of the boot stripe. In a previous work session I focused on leveling her fore and aft, as well as athwartship. In this weekend's work, and after having achieved level, I worked towards striking the waterline and bootstripe. The leveling of Biscuit was an "off the clock" relaxing post-work evening and involved a bottle jack, innumerable adjustments to the trailer's and the floor boat stands, as well as the trailer blocking until I reached the proper orientation of the Typhoon's watery in situ position. With her level and properly oriented, I could now move forward with striking lines on her topsides.

I began with the waterline, or what will likely become the lower portion of the boot stripe. When I was doing her bottom, I taped a bit lower than is typical due to the need to at least achieve a finished bottom above the trailer mounted boat stands. What this means is that there will be a small amount of the hull yet to be painted with antifoul paint (bottom paint). Prior to getting started with striking the new water line, I pulled up notes that I had taken just prior to removal of the old topsides finish paint and the hull's bottom paint - measurements really, taken off fixed points on the hull so that I could easily reference in Biscuit's paint refresh. With those measurements referenced, I could not begin to mark the new waterline. In discussions with the owner, we settled on raising the waterline a bit to compensate for Biscuit's freshwater home, and the fact that she'll sit a bit lower in the water. The result was that the waterline would be struck roughly 5/8" higher on the hull.

I marked a point 9" down from the transom-to-counter transition, and then lit that point up with a tripod mounted laser level. I applied pencil marks on the line every couple inches, and then repositioned the laser level forward and repeated that process. This process repeated itself forward to the bow, and at that point I moved back to the stern, opposite side of Biscuit's hull, and then repeated the process until again I reached the bow. This line would be Biscuit's new waterline.

Next, I moved the midship on the port side and measure for a point 1.5" higher than the new waterline - this would now serve as the uppermost portion of the boot stripe. I repeated the process of lasering the point and marking around the hull. I moved the laser level towards the bow, marking as I went, but did stayed several feet shy of the bow. I then back to midship and worked my way to the stern. The process was repeated for the starboard side. Returning to the unfinished bow, I struck a point between 3 and 4" above the waterline to then ultimately terminate the upper portion of the boot stripe. The forward portion of the boot stripe typically takes a similar upward movement as it nears the bow, following the shear of the deck, and offers a more pleasing appearance as a vessel sits on her lines in the water. This is a trick of eye, but proves more aesthetically pleasing.

Once the penciling was completed, I turned to taping off the upper portion of the boot stripe - the first painting effort will be the topsides - Alexseal Oyster White. The bow took a bit of iterative work until I achieved a pleasing arc into the bow. With that, I closed the paint booth for the day.

I retuned the next day to sand and apply an additional build coat of varnish on the cockpit seat trip, taff rail, and coaming return blocks.

Total Hrs: 4.5