Scratched Hull??

Originally posted by Merlinboy i wouldnt wax a hull!!  Unless its a teflon based product, car wax stuff increases surface tension with the water.

thats why after i applying wax to my boat i get more beading of the water droplets. however, i wax it in order to get a nice shine and make the boat look nice and in order to protect it. it also means when it gets t-cut the max is what is removed in order to be replaced with new, shiny wax

but for outright speed just sand with the smoothest wet and dry you can find. it just looks dull afterwards.......... that said, hitting one wave wrong in a race will make more difference..... entirely up to you

Funny how the polish question devides people! I tend to use Mer caravan polish or the stuff Northampton sailboats sell, and have never noticed the boat going slower afterwards (in the wrong direction, yes, but that can't be blamed on the polish!).

i would go to wet and  dry 1200 then 1500 if you can get it (with lots of water). after that i do a t-cut followed by a second t-cut but with almost no pressure. follow that with a wax based polish (the pink stuff e.g muc of miricle shine)

Well if you get some wet and dry, you can have a go at it with that depending on how aggressive they are. You can polish the hull up to shiney from 800 grit but it is easier if you wet and dry to 1200 first. If the scratches are deep then you will want to fill them first. Plastic Padding gelcoat is probably the easiest for small applications but you won't get a colour match. In this case, smooth is fast so don't worry too much.

Oi!! that was uncalled for Nigel.

 I wanted a serious answer not you to come along and start messing with me  I want to beat you by hours not just minutes!! (and I dont mean over the water!!)

Adam