Waxing the running surface of your boat?

[DonC]

I have a question in regards to waxing the running surface on the hull of a saltwater boat below the waterline. I would think that the saltwater combined with the speed at which the water travels along the hull at speed would wash away any wax applied? I have always waxed my boats above the waterline but never below. Am I wrong?

[Executive Detailing]

I have never personally tried it, but Meguiar's does have a Marine line, which I would think would answer this situation.

If anyone has any input, please let us know.

[pcmark]

It depends on how the boat is stored. If the boat is birthed, then you want bottom paint to protect the hull's finish. If it's trailered, some wax the hull periodically to remove any contaminants and slick the surface. I always waxed the hulls of my boats.

[DonC]

I understand that you can do it and some choose to do it. My question is how will the wax stand up in the elements. The speed of the water, friction, salt, pollutants found in most marinas and back bays. My guess is the wax below the waterline would not survive more than one or two trips at most. Remember most boats today cruise in the mid 30-mph range and run near 50-mph at w.o.t. It would almost be like powerwashing your hull with saltwater.

[mirrorfinishman]

HI Don,

According to an owner/driver I recently met at a hydroplane boat race, you should never wax the bottom of a boat. The reason is the wax does not allow the water to stick to the bottom surface and therefore only creates more friction during forward motion.

Here is how it works. When the bottom of a boat is either painted or left unwaxed the water is allowed to stick to the surface. Since water is now attached to the bottom surface, the water actually acts as slippery medium between the moving boat and the water that is basically standing still. According to what I was told, water against water creates a lot less friction, compared to water against wax.

I am not making this up. This information is coming directly from someone who understands the dynamics involved. Definitely something to consider before waxing below the waterline.

[yalerd]

Very nice information Frank.

Seems logical but I would never get to that conclusion but now that you mention it, seems a little logical

[Ticman]

Originally Posted by mirrorfinishman

HI Don,

According to an owner/driver I recently met at a hydroplane boat race, you should never wax the bottom of a boat. The reason is the wax does not allow the water to stick to the bottom surface and therefore only creates more friction during forward motion.

Here is how it works. When the bottom of a boat is either painted or left unwaxed the water is allowed to stick to the surface. Since water is now attached to the bottom surface, the water actually acts as slippery medium between the moving boat and the water that is basically standing still. According to what I was told, water against water creates a lot less friction, compared to water against wax.

I am not making this up. This information is coming directly from someone who understands the dynamics involved. Definitely something to consider before waxing below the waterline.

100% That's exactly what happens.

Tic

[Mike Phillips]

Read an article once a about racing boats where the bottom of the hull was actually coated with some type of paint that have the surface a texture of some type which reduced drag at high speeds, don't remember the details.

Used to machine clean and wax the orange gel-coat of my Sanger not so much for protection but instead just to keep it looking clear and orange like the top surfaces.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally Posted by DonC

I have a question in regards to waxing the running surface on the hull of a saltwater boat below the waterline. I would think that the saltwater combined with the speed at which the water travels along the hull at speed would wash away any wax applied? I have always waxed my boats above the waterline but never below. Am I wrong?

Don't know what the official word on this would be from our Marine department but we can check.

[J. A. Michaels]

Frank;

That is some information that I never would have thought of. The more one thinks about it, It does seem very logical. Thanks for the information.