Hello all. I'm looking to paint my newly sheeted VU, but am unsure on how to paint my waterline stripe. Do you use math, or throw your boat in the water loaded and draw a line? Much appreciated!
Do all the math you want but what matters is the actual waterline when you put it in the water, so just do that.
And don't use paint, use 1/4" automotive striping tape, like this: View: https://www.amazon.com/3M-4611-0-25-width-length/dp/B00N3U6BJS/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=3m+1%2F4%22+black+tape&qid=1567965634&s=gateway&sr=8-13 (except you probably want a cheaper item that's the right color, etc.)
I prefer the masking-tape style, the automotive stuff can make penetrability questionable (for fast gun). This is a lifetime supply for most, lasts me a few seasons haha (also use for rib marking much easier than automotive style) View: https://www.amazon.com/STIKK-Painters-Release-Finishing-Masking/dp/B07FK67244/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=1%2F4%22+black+masking+tape&qid=1567966774&s=gateway&sr=8-5
Nearly everyone in NABS (20+ members when the club was active) used auto tape for waterlines. I don't think it had any significant effect on penetrability - we did a lot of penetration tests on it at competitions and there were no failures unless the underlying balsa was too hard. A memorable example was a hull painted with epoxy paint.
In the past, I have seen people get the K-mart quality tape and have problems with it. The 3M stuff, on the other hand is wonderful goodness.
I paint on waterlines wider than 1/4" and I found if you spray clear over the tape then paint the water line it will have very few bleeds using the cheap tape..
