Striking the Waterline

Striking the Waterline

Jig Preparation - Locate the six-foot level in the boat shop and make a jig that will place the top of the level exactly two (2) inches above the bottom of the level. The jig should be made out of wood and be 3/4" wide. See image below:

ADD IMAGE OR DRAWING HERE

When you are ready to mark the waterline, make sure the bottom of the boat is dry (or unpainted, for those considering fiberglass), remove the keel, and turn the boat upright on the sawhorses.

At the bow and the stern, on both the starboard and port sides, measure up two inches from the bottom of the boat.

Attach the jig to the transom so that the top of the level is flush with the 2" waterline mark. Use an outrigger post clamped to the level to ensure the level is parallel to the ground. Place the post at the far end of the level.

Run blue painter's tape from the bow (attaching it above the 2" waterline mark) to the outward end of the six-foot level, keeping it just above the level.

As the painter's tape is moved down the level, the bow person gently smooths it against the hull.

When starting the takeoff, have a boat builder hold the tape on the outer _________ to make sure that it doesn't come loose, especially where the ____________ meets the ___________.

The critical parts of this process are:

• Mark the waterline 2" from the bottom

• Ensure that the top of the level is aligned with the 2" waterline mark.

• Don't let the tape come loose where the tape meets the _____________ post (the first few inches are critical).

• Draw the tape toward the boat, slightly above the level, keeping it as vertical as possible.

• Make sure that the "smoother" goes slow and steady.

• End up at the 2" line and you are good to go.

• Burnish the bottom edge of the tape to ensure that the paint doesn't seep underneath it.