CD 26 Boot Stripe Redo

[dgsail]

My 1986 cape dory has it's original boot stripe which is looking a bit weathered. I would like to repaint it. The original color is a burnt brownish red, but I don't see it in the interlux one or two part epoxy paint colors. Has anyone found a paint similar to the original color?
Has anyone redone their boot stripe? What are the steps for a successful outcome?

[jbenagh]

There was a good discussion on this a couple years back:
http://capedory.org/board/viewtopic.php ... pe&start=0

If you want the same as you have, pick a paint (epoxy is not necessary here) and follow the directions on the can to the letter. If you want to raise the stripe which is very common on the CD26 if you have a lot of gear on board, consider following one of the instructions above. I raised the bottom paint on my CD25 about 1 1/2 in and "swooped" the boot stripe at the bow and stern and changed its width over the boat length per the article referenced above. I can send you the measurements I used on my CD25 if you go that route. It turned out very nice as I recall...

Jeff

[Jeff and Sarah]

I repainted and repositioned my boot stripe this spring. Due to other projects I was also completing, I really didn't have any reference from the old boot stripe (which was removed) to assist so I was effectively starting from scratch. You probably won't have to do that. The "swoop" really comes down to what looks good to you. I spent a good amount of time getting the first side right and was always willing to readjust the tape until I was happy. Try to be have about 8 feet or so (not an exact science) of masking tape between you and the last point it is adhered to the boat- this helps you get smooth curves. Once I had the first side done I took measurements at several stations along the hull and transferred that to the other side.

The first step was striking the new waterline for the straight part of the boot strip (the bottom). I used a laser level to first remove any port or starboard list and ensured the boat was perfectly level in the jack stands. I did this at night so I could see the vertical laser line go up the leading edge of the keel, up the bow, and all the way up the roller fuller to the top of the mast. That worked pretty well actually. Then I used the laser level to strike a "waterline" around the boat. I knew the pitch of the boat in the stands was pretty close to correct in relation to how she sits in the water which was good because there would not have been a very easy way to correct that. I was able to get my new waterline close enough that it met perfectly at the bow and was only off 1/4" where the two sides met at the stern (which was easy to correct with masking tape).

FWIW, I used Interlux Perfection (though my stripe is navy blue). I know lots of people are happy with Interlux's Bootstripe Paint (which is a one part paint).

[tjr818]

...FWIW, I used Interlux Perfection (though my stripe is navy blue). I know lots of people are happy with Interlux's Bootstripe Paint (which is a one part paint).

And I have heard that some people are now using bottom paint for the boot stripe to keep the slime from collecting on it.

[Astronomertoo]

I always used contrasting bottom paint with heavy copper for both colors here in Florida. We had our boot stripe up 1.5" also as we travelled heavy. They both tolerated me snorkling around the boat with a scrub frush and pad from spring to fall, before recoating. That also let me keep up with cleaning the critters out of the bottom painted (inside and outside, each haul out) engine sea water strainer, and off the prop. I did not find anything better for the prop than the same bottom paint, put on in several thin coats.

[Jeff and Sarah]

...FWIW, I used Interlux Perfection (though my stripe is navy blue). I know lots of people are happy with Interlux's Bootstripe Paint (which is a one part paint).

And I have heard that some people are now using bottom paint for the boot stripe to keep the slime from collecting on it.

I recognize the attributes of using bottom paint for this purpose IF your boot stripe is often submerged. In my case, I raised the boot stripe a couple inches and brought bottom paint up to the new stripe. Even when loaded the new boot stripe is just above the water's edge and the slight reveal of bottom paint when Prereq is light looks nice (to me anyway). If I were to have kept the old position of the boot stripe, I definitely would have considered the bottom paint technique as it did tend to be partially underwater when loaded.

[Warren Kaplan]

After 13 years of having a boot stripe that I never quite liked, I just got rid of it, when I saw many other boats without one. My boat (anyway) looked much sharper and cleaner without the bootstripe. It had the effect of raising the water line and with bottom paint there now slime buildup is minimal.
You might consider it. Many people came over to me and said they were thinking of doing the same thing.

[Markst95]

After 13 years of having a boot stripe that I never quite liked, I just got rid of it.

I Agree- Plenty of other things to keep up on a boat, why not have one less thing to do. Plus I think it makes the boat look more traditional.

[Warren Kaplan]

Here's what my boat looks like after removing the bootstripe. Nice, neat and clean!

[Astronomertoo]

[quote="Warren Kaplan"]Here's what my boat looks like after removing the bootstripe. Nice, neat and clean!
------------
Very nice, and fresh.
One's sail boat is a reflection of how one sees one of his (her) favorite toys, in his (her) own mind. We all have our preferences, and all of us who have loved our sailboats can appreciate the personal choices made by others.
I am on my 3rd sailboat, not including a favorite 8'-10" fiberglass and mohagany sailing dinghy (not including 2 inflatables), and for me the white hull, blue bottom, and a clean bright red bootstripe makes me a more complete, and happy sailor. My own power and sail boats would have felt naked without the red waterline demarcation and glossy teak. I made a mistake selling the hard dinghy, which had sailed many harbors and lakes on road trips that my big boats could not make, and I will always wish I had it back.
Bob C
Moon Shine

[John Nebilak]

The stripes on my boat were looking pretty weathered also. I wet sanded and polished them and that lasted quite a few more years. In case you weren't really looking forward to painting.