bottom paint

[warren thames]

Time for bottom paint on my O'day 25. I do not own a trailor and my boat stays in the canal behind my house. Does anyone have any expierence with bottom painting a boat while it is heeled over? I'm thinking of tying off the main halyard across the canal to make the boat heel and painting it while it's heeled over. Any suggestions?Thanks for your intrest and advice.

 

[Marvin Shepleta]

Great idea

Yep. Have your neighbor across the canal tie a halyard to his pick up truck and tow it over to where you can get at it. Then let it dry for a couple of days. Then, get in a dinghy and scrape and paint.Let your neighbor use his truck a couple of weeks, then turn your boat around and do it again.

 

[Frank15396]

scrape and paint in the water?

I'd be concerned about a visit from whoever is enforcing environmental regulations out your way. Better check it out and make sure scrapings and paint going into the water is not a violation. Might be worth it to haul the boat and paint it to avoid fines. I've heard stories and seen photos of guys painting their boats while it's beached, racing the tide to do it, but those days might be over in the US of A. At least the populated and policed portions of it, anyway!

 

[Brian]

Your best bet is a haul out. The problems start with the fines for polluting the water ways if you get caught, some can be pretty stiff. Second, getting full access to the hull and keel. Third, If you have the centerboard model, the centerboard will need attention also. What if you find blisters? Damaged centerboard wedge plates? Worn centerboard pendant or line? Put her on the dry, do it right, in the long run you will be happy you did.Before you decide, call around and find out how much a yard will charge you to put it on stands so you can work on it. A little leg work can really pay off.Best of luck!