Bootstripe repainting/relocation

[Brodie]

My 1984 Sea Sprite 30 sits relatively low and also quite down by the bow when at rest, which causes fouling of the bootstripe forward and just bothers me because it looks weird. The bootstripe itself is gelcoat and is quite faded, so I would like to repaint it. My debate is whether I repaint it in its current location, which is logistically much simpler, or raise it a few inches. The other question is whether to, and how to get the boat to float more level - I know with a bunch of people in the cockpit she probably floats more appropriately (ie not down by the stern), but I usually sail alone, and I weigh basically nothing compared to the boat, and I can feel the bow not want to "lift" to the waves sometimes. There is little extra weight in the bow - anchor is in the stern locker, rode is not chain, forward water tank is empty. I have seen pics of other SS30's sitting the same way so I don't think it's something weird with my boat. I'm really tempted to add some weight to the stern locker even though that is generally not a good thing.

here are some pics of how the boat floats at the mooring.... and to summarize my ramblings - ballast the stern or not? and repaint the bootstripe where it is or higher?

[Skipper599]

Brodie, I think your boat sits very close to its DWL and you are probably the only one that sees it as not quite perfect. That is one beautiful boat. I myself would not be worrying about the small difference unless it affects her sailing performance. Having said that, it is your boat and I guess you'll do whatever it takes to satisfy your personal standards if you cannot live with the way it is.

If you feel you must balance her, I would keep the bootstripe in its original position and re-ballast her with additional weight in the aft compartment. . . . Bob T.

[Hirilondë]

I could not live with growth on the boot stripe either. It amazes me how many boats have this. It is like exposed foundation on a house. So many raise their gardens to cover it and start growth and rot in the bottom of the siding in their vain attempt to cover up the concrete. I think it is this tendency to hate exposed bottom paint that has caused so many boot stripes to be too close to the water.

When you are sailing you are virtually always healed to some point and no one can see how well placed your boot stripe is. I think water lines should be set for the boat as she sits at the mooring. Seeing 2 or 3 inches of bottom paint doesn't bother me at all. Seeing a slime line is down right ugly. I would either take the time to remark your water line and repaint the boot stripe and raise the bottom paint a little or just spend more time cleaning your slime at the mooring. You would lose the white between the boot stripe and bottom paint, but personally I prefer they touch each other any way.

My choice would be to level the boat on the jack stands such that the waterline is 2 inches higher in the bow and the same as is aft. Re mark for a new boot stripe and bottom paint line. Easy for me to say, I don't have to do it.