Polishing the hull

[jim148]

I've had my 1981 H22 for just over a year now and have put it away for the Michigan winter. When I first got the boat I really went at it using Main Sails method of waxing and polishing the hull.
When I had the boat hauled out for storage the guys at the marina said it was pretty but a waste of time and effort. Their comment was that an un-polished hull actually moves through the water
faster than a hull with a high wax shine. My degree was in engineering not physics. Any comments about this.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

First, the H22 is not a racing boat. Neither is my H260. Speed is not one of my decision factors, so I won't get into that debate. I have anti fouling paint below the water line anyway.

Protecting the gel coat and having a pretty boat are reasons that work for me. Polishing removes oxidation and restores color. It also preps for wax. If you are waxing below the water line, then it makes hull cleaning easier. For trailer boats that pull out each sail, that can be a real bonus.

You're the owner. Do what pleases you. Boat haulers spend their time handling other people's boats

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If you are going to buff the hull, if there is oxidation, I would suggest using Finese It compound in the paste vs. liquid. Make sure your buffer is not over 1000 rpm and never hold it in one place as you could burn the gel coat. I then used 3M cleaner wax with buffer with a coat of pure Melgis wax. Customers liked the way I use to do this.

Crazy Dave

 

[Jackdaw]

Hit it with this:

http://www.mclubemarine.com/hullkote/

That will shut them up.

 

[Benny17441]

And that is why they are working at a marine and not some research laboratory.

 

[jim148]

Thanks guys for your input. I don't know why I was thinking about speed.
I'm out here to enjoy the sailing. Besides, I'm retired I don't need speed.
JB