Hobie Cat Forums

I just bought my first hobie 16. The guy i got it from took great care of it. Ive read nothing good on these forums about waxing the hulls. The guy who i bought the boat from said he waxed the hulls ever year. he said he didnt wax the hulls this year but i was wondering if anyone knew if there would still be wax on the hulls. If there was still wax how should i get it off. And what can i use to protect my hull?

Thanks

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Jake C
1985 Hobie 16

If you are not racing I think you need to ask yourself if you really care about the marginal speed difference due to the wax? In fact, I am not even sure you'll notice. As a recreational sailer I prefer my boat to look good so wax doesn't really bother me. Personal opinion though.

Do a search on the forums for paint prep. I know Capt Dave will have a good answer for you.

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Nick

Current Boat
'74 Pearson 30
Previous boats owned
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

Basic rule of thumb: recreational sailor - go ahead and wax hulls
Racing sailor: no wax - use super-fine finishing sandpaper on the hulls

Waxed hulls are hydrophobic - they push water away disturbing the surface flow and slowing the boat.
Sanded hulls are hydrophilic - they "become one" with the water forming a contiguous flow and making the boat faster.

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The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.