How do you clean your bottom?

[bigsbetter]

I've done a search on this and found a couple very short threads on cleaning and waxing the bottom of the boat. Is it true that you should not wax the bottom? One thread said to sand it with 600 grit sandpaper. Is that done from side to side or front to back? What is the best way to prepare the bottom for utmost performance without repainting it and spending alot of money?

 

[Chris]

What is your priority?

Having a nice boat?

Or strictly performance?

 

[bigsbetter]

Well.....I guess having a nice boat is more of my priority, but if it's on the bottom (which is an off white color) I might do something else that wouldn't look as good if it really boosted performance since it would be in the water anyway. What's your idea??? What's with this sanding the bottom? Right now the bottom feels kinda rough, I mean it's just not as smooth as the top and side paint.

 

[Robin]

I just went over the bottom of mine with muratic acid. It was turning a little green and it cleaned it up real nice. I have never left it in the water overnight but it still was starting to look a little green. I too have heard you should never wax the bottom. Just my 2 cents.... Robin

 

[firecatgreen]

Iron out works great to clean bottom takes out all stains with out much scrubbing

 

[bigsbetter]

Is the muratic acid used full strength? Anyone know about this sanding the bottom thing? Something about it produces little air bubbles that makes the hull ride on the bubbles.

 

[Costa]

bigsbetter, Sanding the bottom airerates the water and that in turn loosens the hull up. I dont think you will see any increase in speed unless you are running in the 70+ range and even then it probably not be noticeable. Waxing the bottom does not hurt the bottom of the boat but the theory is at high speeds the hull speed exceeds the waxes ability to shed the water and it is supposed to slow you down. I have tried both waxing and sanding and have noticed no increase or decrease in speed either way. Although with the bottom waxed it stayed clean longer and it was also alot easier wipe down (yes I actually wipe the bottom down after washing).

 

[bigsbetter]

That's the kind of answer I am looking for. ! Thankyou! I'm knock'n at the 70 mph mark and need 2 mph to get there, so I was wondering what to do with the bottom. If anyone else has had any gains either way I'd appreciate it also.

 

[Chris]

With respect to hull waxing, Costa more or less nailed what I would have answered.

The other thing you could look at if you're looking to find every MPH, is blue printing your hull.

 

[WILDMAN]

I use White Cloud toilet paper. It's real soft, and won't chafe. Keeps my bottom sparklin clean.

 

[bigsbetter]

I knew that was coming.

 

[Costa]

I use White Cloud toilet paper. It's real soft, and won't chafe. Keeps my bottom sparklin clean.

Like Chris said if you want those extra 2 mph you migh try blueprinting the bottom and that is a royal PITA. You might try tweaking you setup and making sure everything is set up perfectly for those extra couple of mph. Also put your boat on a diet, take everything out and only put back in those essential items, do you need 2 anchors, 4 sets of ropes, 10 lifejackets, 3 oars, etc. not saying thats what you have but..............

 

[bigsbetter]

Like Chris said if you want those extra 2 mph you migh try blueprinting the bottom and that is a royal PITA. You might try tweaking you setup and making sure everything is set up perfectly for those extra couple of mph. Also put your boat on a diet, take everything out and only put back in those essential items, do you need 2 anchors, 4 sets of ropes, 10 lifejackets, 3 oars, etc. not saying thats what you have but..............

Yea I could shed some pounds. And I would probably gain 1-2 mph if I removed my Stingray fin off the outdrive don't you think? I probably won't go as far as blueprinting.

 

[Costa]

If your Stingray fin is out of the water at WOT removing it probably would not be of any benefit. Try the weight reduction first you might be surprised at what you will gain!

 

[Chris]

You could also try a labbed prop.

That is sometimes good for a few extra MPH.

Places like throttle up rework props.

Here's a link.

http://www.throttle-up.com/