Why sre the so orange peely? Is this to creat drag so they work better?

Cause they are painted over a cast part. They are pretty rough to begin with. I painted mine. When I sanded them you would sand off the tips of all the high spots to the aluminum.

I think my boat has 280's? They're definitely shorter than others (380's?) I've seen. I don't have chine or porpoise. Any benefit to going to the larger ones?

I think the longer ones are narower.. Thus less drag.. ??