Barrier Coat & Bottom Paint

[jcurto]

As I will be leaving my boat in the water more than on the trailer this summer in CT, I have a few questions: Should I apply the barrier coat even though I did not see any blisters after leaving the boat in the water 45 consecutive days last year. I didn't even have bottom paint on and recieved minimal fouling. I plan on bottom painting the boat this year anyway and need to know if it is safe to paint 4" up on the hull over the Awl Grip with the ablative in order to cover the water line. The boat is waiting for weakfish in Hampton Bays, NY until then!