Wax the hull?

[fastskipper]

I was going to put another coat of wax...er well polish ( I use Race Glaze) on my mate. A friend of mine said he heard you should never wax the hull, just keep it clean and don't wax below the waterline. Said waxing the hull would slow it down. Now I would think that waxing the hull would be a good thing. What do ya think?

[fastskipper]

I was going to put another coat of wax...er well polish ( I use Race Glaze) on my mate. A friend of mine said he heard you should never wax the hull, just keep it clean and don't wax below the waterline. Said waxing the hull would slow it down. Now I would think that waxing the hull would be a good thing. What do ya think?

[seeing clearly]

Fast skipper, I'm no expert,but I'm with you on the polish.I believe the less friction the better.I can't think of the name,but somebody makes a product just for the hulls.

[Craig]

My opinion: I don't think it makes much difference as far as speed, but many waxes/polishes leave a residue that attracts water. If you're really concerned about losing a 1/2 mph, use a polish that repels water. Something with teflon, maybe. Not sure about Race Glaze, but I know it is an excellent polish for gel coat.

I polish mine 2-3 times a year with 3M marine polish or race glaze. I don't do the pad or surrounding area that runs on the water. I scuff that up with 600 grit sandpaper. In theory that creates a cushion of bubbles, and you have less surface area making contact with the water. Just like the lower unit on the newer hi-perf Merc motors, no paint, just bare aluminum.

-Craig

[Bill]

Do not wax below the water line. If you want true performane for the buck, sand the bottom cross way from CHine to chine with 600 to 800 grit sand paper. Make sure you keep it straight. Here is why you sand, not polish... Ever put a sweaty glass down on a smooth top table and go to pick it up? what happens? It sticks. same with a boat. Posishing the bottom makes it very smooth, so it wants to "stick" to the water. Ultimately,polishing and waxing only helps keep the oxidation away and makes cleaning the boat much easier.

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 25P Mirage Plus

[bdusted440]

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif Bill is absolutly right on this point guy's. I sanded my mate on his advice and got a couple more mph out of her and it handles a little beter too. Try it you'll like it http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Craig]

Well, I only sand the pad and maybe 12" either side of that. (I don't have a whole lot in the water when running wide open.) I wouldn't sand any more of the bottom than what makes contact with the water. Just my opinion. Roughened up gel coat just gets dirty easier and harder to clean.

-Craig