on an '83, you're probably not so concerned with hull slickness for onedesign racing (speaking as the former owner of a '81). you just want to use your boat as a boat for fun daysails, am I right?



if this is the case, then don't shy away from bottom paint. whatever value some claim will be detracted from the boat with this is negligible on a boat that's probably not worth much more than $1200 to begin with.



your primary concern will be your rig. with the mast rotating back and forth with every wave and boat wake, wear and tear on the rigging will be accelerated dramatically. keep a very close eye on all of your fittings. I'd even go so far as to reccommend beaching the boat and laying it over so you can inspect the mast hounds and connections once a month or so.



sail for fun.