Fast Bottoms

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  • #6034
    johncallis
    Participant

    The gelcoat on my boat is in good shape, with only a few minor scratches. I’m looking to roll her over next week and fill them all in. After fixing scratches, one would think that a good compounding and then a coat of wax would be a good idea.
    The problem is that I have heard that gelcoat that has been waxed is actually slower than one that was not waxed.
    So what do you think? What makes the bottom the fastest? I’ve heard of simply wetsanding, and I have also heard of some other products that should be used rather than wax.

    Thanks for your input
    3873

    #12709
    karafiath
    Participant

    I use a marine polish, not wax, to seal in the pores on a wet sanded gel coat. With the polish there is much less staining of the hull due to water pollution such as the occasional oil blob. As for speed, I sincerely doubt that you will be able to tell the difference between a polish applied on a wet sanded gel coat and the same wet sanded gel coat without polish. Recent tests on a laser centerboard indicate that anything beyond a 400 grit sanding is a waste of effort.

    #12732
    sawyerspadre
    Participant

    Does Starbrite teflon last “less than one year”?

    Could be debated.

    Phil Scheetz
    FS 4086

    #12733
    mlp8415
    Participant

    I am new…..so what is the rule about a year?

    #12734
    sawyerspadre
    Participant

    FSSA Handbook
    ARTICLE S-V – RACING RESTRICTIONS

    3. No temporary coating of grease, graphite, pot lead, etc. is
    allowed on the hull, center-board or rudder. Waxing of the hull,
    centerboard and deck may be done at the option of the owner.
    (See also CMR’s #28 & 72)

    CMR #28. Any bottom coating which is represented by the manufacturer
    as designed to last one season is not a “temporary coating” and
    therefore not prohibited under the provision of S-V-3.

    CMR #72. The use of any liquid soap, detergent, soap or any such
    wetting agent applied to coat the hull , centerboard or rudder is
    prohibited under the provisions of S-V-3. Any such material may
    be applied to clean the hull, but must be removed (squeaky
    clean) prior to launching the boat. (March 1994)

    Phil Scheetz
    FS 4086

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