Years ago, I asked my sailmaker about getting a new sail, so I could do better when racing. He told me that I'd get more bang for my buck if I worked on my crew instead of getting a new sail. The same could be said for sanding and burnishing your bottom. A small mistake by your crew can make a big difference in where you finish.
Alan Bergen 35 Mk III Thirsty Rose City YC Portland, OR On Thu, Apr 3, 2025 at 2:31 PM David Knecht via CnC-List < cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > 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 > > [image: pastedGraphic.tiff] > > Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to > keep it active. Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal > at: > https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray__;!!LIr3w8kk_Xxm!vk1JEL_rvwq7k2CHhJR22x8Wv2fECP7y-qBqPvNFKUQMSfEWkrsc6Vgngme2JbgW9MQLStRfxqcyQFutKfYU3No$ > All contributions are greatly appreciated.
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