Hi, I'm a new owner of a 1983 Catalina 22. Stripping the old, partially pealing and delaminating barrier coats, anti-fouling, and added boot stripe reveals the original boot stripe (in the gel coat?) that follows a different line. Towards the stern, the newer waterline that I'm stripping off runs higher, as much as 2"-3" higher at the stern, while at the bow they were identical with the new water line following the old. I noticed on some pictures of other boats, notably the forum topic "Commissioning Tasks and Ongoing Improvements of a 1983..." started in 2016, a very similar difference in old vs. new waterline. ( https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?attachments/a-seagul-3-yard-pix-11-jpg.120149/) Look carefully, and you can see the older "red" waterline dive below the new black paint.
Is that common in 1983 Catalina's? Was the waterline too low at the stern in the stock boat? Should I follow the original waterline in repainting, or follow the newer water line I just stripped off? I was going to leave the original boot stripe exposed, as it is in fair condition, other than the chalking of the gelcoat that can be polished. I was, however, going to put on new barrier layers and antifouling. However, this would look funny if it covers up the boot stripe at the stern, in which case I would also paint on a new boot stripe.
Advice? Thank you!
Is that common in 1983 Catalina's? Was the waterline too low at the stern in the stock boat? Should I follow the original waterline in repainting, or follow the newer water line I just stripped off? I was going to leave the original boot stripe exposed, as it is in fair condition, other than the chalking of the gelcoat that can be polished. I was, however, going to put on new barrier layers and antifouling. However, this would look funny if it covers up the boot stripe at the stern, in which case I would also paint on a new boot stripe.
Advice? Thank you!
