Every spring, while still on the hard, we lower all our chain onto the
pavement. This gives us a chance to inspect it, and repaint our markings. No
primer, just whatever paint we have hanging around. A quick wire brushing to
get the old junk off, then paint. Sometimes a spray can, sometimes a leftover
can of paint.

Sure, it wears off, but enough stays on to give a good visual from the bridge.
Just don't do 3 links and expect to spot it half worn off. We paint about 24
inches with our secret code.

If you have a memory like mine, you may want to write down whatever code you
came up with!

Ted G
DeFever 44, Amici
Currently Block Island, RI

I've been doing the same thing for the last few years.  I've tried a lot of
different paints.  This year I tried a spray can of dayglow orange road
paint - the type they use on streets to show where you can dig, etc.  I
think it cost $3 and had enough to put 3 coats of markings (my own secret
code too) every 25 feet over the top 200 feet.  I'm rarely dropping more
than 200 feet so that's the only paint that gets any wear.

The dayglow paint has worked really well.  I really like how easy it is to
see while it's still in the water and on its way up - it shows for 5 feet or
so below the surface in Maine waters.  There is no way you'd miss a marking,
even at night.

Now I just need to do more testing!  We're off for the next week cruising
far into downeast Maine - Roque Island, Machias Bay, and other places where
anchoring is your only choice.

---=
Jeffrey Siegel
M/V aCappella
DeFever 53PH
W1ACA/WDB4350
Castine, Maine

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