I am considering whether it is worth sanding/smoothing or burnishing the Black Widow bottom paint that was rolled on last year. It has a typical short nap roller orange skin like texture currently. I have read numerous times that a smooth bottom is a fast bottom. But I have yet to see any data and as a scientist, that troubles me. I am reminded of the bike racing tire pressure story. For years, bike racers used small diameter/high pressure tires because it was assumed that less contact between the tire and the road would be faster. Obvious, right? When someone actually did the experiment it turned out it was not faster. Now everyone uses wide tires with less pressure. Fast plus a softer ride with better traction. So has anyone seen data that tests hull resistance at various stages of smoothness for non-planing hulls? I have been unable to find anything except a reference to Bethwaite's book. Seems like an easy experiment for a tank test. Dave
S/V Aries 1990 C&C 34+ New London, CT 
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