i have noticed it keeps the boat much cleaner and i don't do it to go faster.. so am i harming something?

Nope,and I have heard that it is supposed to slow you down,but neither my friend or myself have seen any loss of speed.

i will give up 1 mph for less cleaning on the bottom....

Some say a little roughness reduces surface tension and makes you faster ..Its why you see some props sand blasted finish instead of high polish .. Personaly I dont think it make too much of a difference .. But its realy all speculation ..clean and pretty for half a mph sound good to me ..Although the finish on my present boat is way beyond wax ..and I kinda like it that way

I waxed the bottom of my boat. In my old 19 footer and my old 23 footer it gained speed. I don't care what everyone says about making the boat slower... BS!!!! Besides, would you not wax your car because you might loose .001 second in a quarter mile??? BS again!!! Protect your boat. Wax it and I would put money on it that you will gain speed.
Anyone want to put there money where thier mouth is?!?!?!?!

I heard that it makes the bottom so smooth that it creates suction between the boat and the water......which slows it down. Take 2 pieces of glass and put some water on the bottom one, lay the other peice of glass on top and see if you can lift off the top peice with out lifting the bottom peice.

Ahh its kind of a proven fact that a rough surface that can break surface tension is faster ..Look at the rear section of any hydroplane ..They scuff em up
Im not saying wax doesnt protect the gel somewhat and make the scum come off easier but id bet rougher is faster

Why does a golf ball have dimples ..same principal

I heard that as well.Maybe that theory applies to non-stepped hulls?

i am still waxing, it runs over a 100 with wax on the bottom, maybe i will let it wear off for the shootout this year.... i will still wax the tunnel, it doesn't get wet, neither does most of the sponson at speed....