. . .and do we care?

http://www.mclubemarine.com/hullkote/

The F18 class has recently outlawed the use of these kind of polishing materials.

"waxing and polishing of the hull is permitted providing that the intention and the effect is to polish the hull only. Any work intended or any other material added with the effect of improving performance beyond the original is prohibited".

It says it's a hull polish, so I see no reason it wouldn't be legal. I know the Mono boys spray McLube all over everything, sails, hulls, rudders, etc. all in the name of less drag. I haven't spent the time (and money) to rub McLube all over my sails yet but I do wash and wax (with Teflon polish) my hulls, boards and rudders before I go racing. I'm not sure it makes me any faster but I know it makes it really hard to climb on board after a crash! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I believe the intent of the rule banning this was to prevent the coatings and post finish materials like Melvin and a few others have been working with in the A class for a while. Expensive and a PITA to boot. Not a bad idea, but it is too bad then that something like the hull kote gets wrapped up with the rule. It is not that expensive and is as easy and as good as any of the "waxes" out on the market for keeping your gel coat looking good in the sun.

I'm not convinced this product illegal. From everything I've read it is just a polish/wax with some clever marketing.

I'd like to know what property in this product fits the rule (hydrophobic aint it). I don't think just because the label says it's "very very fast" means it's any faster than ordinary wax or a non-waxed surface. When McLube says it's very very fast I think it applies how quickly the money comes out of your checking account.

And yes the rule was created for the reason Matt stated.

IMO, this product is a polish nothing more.

Pete,

I have some even better hull polishing material to sell you. It is biodegradable so it is best when it is fresh. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

No, I dont care.

Is there an "original" wax specification? How do you test for breaking the rule?
It seems to me that with a coating life of maybe 12 months this is not a sacrificial coating as used in the AC in the past, but an easily applied (fast) and durable wax system. Would a 2k polyurethane paint system be breaking the rule with it being harder and more durable than polyester gelcoat? Is the rule worded as quoted above? If so, how is it measured and enforced?

Cheshirecatman

I thought the rule was to stop something that "washes off" in a single race, sort of like putting dishwashing fluid all over your hulls for each race.