low_psi

So I bought my Velocity 260 over the internet without ever actually seeing it in person. At the price I got it at I expected the worst and hoped for the best. Anyway long story short, the boat was left in the salt water for some time and there was some barnicle growth. I have been having issues with my boat not reaching expected speeds. I was wonder how much speed is being scrubbed off by the underside of the boat in it's current condition. Pretty much the whole bottom of the boat looks like the pic below. I began to sand them off only to find they are like sanding cement. However, it looks like they pop off fairly easy with the use of a razor blade scraper. Obviously care will need to be taken when using the razor. <Let me know what you guys think. How much speed do you think I am loosing because of this crap on the bottom.

DollaBill

You are losing an incredible amount. In essence, the bottom of your boat is covered with sand paper. Prob between 10 and 30% of your top end

low_psi

You think that much?? From what I have read the boat should be seeing upper 60s-low70s. Right now I have seen 62. I have been looking at the motor being the cause becasue I can only get around 4500RPM out of it. Is it the boat hull that is holding the motor back?

DollaBill

well 62 out of approx 70 would be 10-15%. Yes, the whole package is "bogged" down.

low_psi

Well like I stated I have started removing that crap. Even though it sucks, I'd rather do this than pull a weak motor.,.....

VtSteve

I had a 23' sailboat that looked like that when I bought it. No power available, I used a paint scraper and all types of spray stuff. On your boat, have to be careful not to damage the gelcoat. So you really only should be getting the top off as the picture appears to show. Putty knife is excellent.

Muriatic acid, power washer, should be the easiest way to do it. With any luck, after washing it all off, you can get a polisher/sealant to finish it off.

low_psi

Using Muriatic Acid upside down under a boat doesn't sound like my idea of fun....

VtSteve

No, not really, a hoist would be far easier

DollaBill

U can dilute it in water. add about 2 cups to a 5 gal bucket of water and fill about 2/3 full use an old brush with a long handle. Be careful with it. Use Brand "On-Off"

low_psi

It will be going in a rack this week. Already set up up down the road at the marina.