Conference vicki::boats

    I suspect that sanding would remove the scratches but would also
    remove the protective outer layer of "gelcoat". The graphics are one
    layer of the compression molded aqua-toys. Sanding would remove the
    scratch from the outer layers at the expense of exposing the graphics
    on the inner layers.
    
    Other option would be to fill the scratches using "clear" something,
    gelcoat,paint, ?
    
    ~j   

re .0

	Well, it kinda dependzzzz what you want fer a new bottom (-:

	If you don't care abpout the existing graphics (viewed mostly 
by fish and sand fleas anyway) but do care about having a smoothe 
surface then you could go the standard auto repair route.....   
bondo, etc. 

	If I wanted to preserve what's left of the graphics, I'd 
probably take it along to the local body shop and ask if they know how 
to "clear fill" the gouges and scratches.

	Or, if they're not so deep as to cause a steering effect - I 
might just leave 'em and look sorry for m'self......  given that 
fathers' day is raBidly (intentionaly typo) approaching (-:

	Reg

    Most slalom skis have a rough bottom to assist in deceleration for
    turning.  I know that some of the pros tinker with their skis using
    sand paper but I wouldn't recommend it for the rest of us.
    
    /Steve
    

re <<< Note 1169.3 by TRIGG::VOGEL "Steve Vogel - Ralston/Eveready & Emerson Sales Support" >>>
>               -< On slalom skis the rough bottom belongs there >-

>    Most slalom skis have a rough bottom to assist in deceleration for

	I agree, its there - but I thought it was to somehow break up 
the contact surface area and prevent/reduce "sticking"   ???
They do something similar with sail boats too, "rough" surface 
finishes are actually "faster" than "smoothe".   There's prolly a 
class rool re lump/dip size and spacing (-:

>    turning.  I know that some of the pros tinker with their skis using
>    sand paper but I wouldn't recommend it for the rest of us.

	This rank amateur used to sand his - on the beach, til I got 
double high wraps.

>    /Steve


	Reg
    

    re:.
    The last I read the rough bottom was to break surface tension of the
    water. This "helps the ski stay under control", not sticking or
    sliding.
    
    	My $.02.

    
    
    with a race ski a light sanding underneath can mean 1-2 mph higher 
    top end and less pull on the skier.
    
    the other reg
    
    

I'm learning something.

Would this effect apply to boat bottoms also?

Art

re               <<< Note 1169.7 by NUBOAT::HEBERT "Captain Bligh" >>>
>                      -< breaking cohesion and stiction? >-

	Yeah, right  -  -   ^ ^ that stuff, up there (-:

> I'm learning something.

> Would this effect apply to boat bottoms also?

	Yes, its a phenomenon that doesn't care what the surface 
belongs to.

	Sailors know a lot more about it, you can probably find some
notes on it in their conference.  There is some kind of bottom paint
that has little thinggies in it, not sand - but about the same grain
size {"granularity" ?  Nah that's a dec'ism} almost like sand thats
been used too many times in a sand blaster and become 'blunt'. 

	I read an article that described the effect as producing lots 
of little areas of turbulence very close to each other.  It intruduces a 
very thin layer of air/foam between the hull and the water - which the 
hull then rides on {lay terms...}


> Art


	Reg

    So, the whole idea of "TEFLON-based" bottom paint is probably nothing
    more than marketting hype making you think that a slippery bottom paint
    will make the boat go faster?  This is about the best excuse I found so 
    far to be lazy and not paint the bottom of my boat.  For the third
    season!
    Wayne

	Ahh... you guys always come up with great ideas... I hadn't
even thought of filling the scratches. (one of my brighter days, huh?)
Wouldn't be too tough, just a real thin coat of fiberglass resin. The 
stuff flows pretty smooth....

Rick

ps Gee is this why my Velocity seems to slow down quicker this spring?
Maybe I shouldn't attempt to fix it! :-)

    
    Teflon props are supposed to go harder however im not so sure about
    teflon paint.(ive never seen it)
    the other thing some people do is rub their running boards and gearbox
    with graphite powder however the graphite does come off during a run.
    
    tks
    the other reg