Trailer Gymnastics
It’s that time of year again and springtime commissioning is in high gear. The checklist outlines a number of different activities from hull washing to zinc replacement. One of the more challenging and messier jobs is bottom painting. Now, a smooth-bottom boat on jack stands is one thing, however, a deep-V, with aggressive running strakes, on a roller trailer is a whole different deal.
To paint a trailer-bound deep-V you have to painstakingly brush around each and every trailer roller, as you can’t get close enough with the paint roller; and, you have to do this either fully flat on your back on the ground, or stretched out over one of the trailer components. As you move from area to area, you either have to slither over the components or slide under them, limbo style. Needless to say, the whole contortionist approach gets old quickly, supplying the motivation to complete the job in as short a time as possible. Boating is a great sport, I just wish bottom painting a deep-V on a trailer wasn’t part of it.
