To wax or not to wax

[jerry]

My 1984 Oday 28 is in fresh water and the bottom has never been painted. I have never waxed it above or below the waterline, due mostly to laziness. By the time it's hauled out in October, it's covered with algae below the waterline.What is the value of waxing above and/or below the waterline? Will it keep the algae off, or will the wax come right off because it's under water? Is it worthwhile to wax above the waterline?

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Hull and bottom treatment options

Hi Jerry -Treatment of "topsides", or the hull above the waterline, is a personal choice, just like everything else. If the hull is chaulky, it will look a lot better if you use a rubbing compound on it prior to waxing. Check out the Island Girl products (see Related link) for a full line of products that have a great reputation. A coat of wax will help protect the hull once it's clean, making it easier to keep it looking shiny. As for the bottom, I'd recommend painting after initial scuffing with sandpaper. An anti-fouling paint will prevent algae from growing on the bottom. There are many options on type of paint as well - harder paints and ablative paints that sluff off material, keeping the bottom clean. Do some research on what's out there, but you'll enjoy your boat more by spending some time every year or two maintaining the topsides and bottom.Best,Trevor

 

[Mike]

No paint at all?

Jerry:No bottom paint at all? I suppose that with the boat in the water one can't see the the bottom of a boat and it's appearance doesn't really matter. However if you are running a gel-coat only bottom in the water then there is the danger of osmotic blisters which if allowed to go unattended will eventually create fiberglass problems.Extreme bottom growth will affect hull speed and up wind performance. At the very least I would put a sealer coat like VC Tar or a similar product. Top sides appearance is a matter of taste; but a glistening boat is a thing of beauty.MikeS/B Pitterpat, Lake Huron