Coating for pad to reduce friction, increase speed and fuel economy...

[Johnnyred]

Seems like I remember another boat owner saying he had a company that specialized in race boats apply a special coating (textured?) of some type to the pad of his boat and he gained 2-3mph and better fuel economy. When I messaged him about it, he was tight-lipped.

Anyone know anything about coatings for the pads of bass boats like this? Are they real or was the guy putting me on? Anyone here have a product like this on their boat willing to share?

[fishnfireman]

Snake oil !

[AndrewM-Fishing]

Sanding or anything else to the hull/pad can make a difference of a few mph once you reach the 90-100mph mark. If the boat does 70mph you might see a .2mph gain. Waste of time and money. If you are looking for top end then squeezing some more hp out of the existing motor or re-power are the best options.

[Johnnyred]

Sanding or anything else to the hull/pad can make a difference of a few mph once you reach the 90-100mph mark. If the boat does 70mph you might see a .2mph gain. Waste of time and money. If you are looking for top end then squeezing some more hp out of the existing motor or re-power are the best options.

Good reply. Thanks.

[PSM207]

Yes there are hydrophobic coatings that reduce drag, however they have to be applied often.

[JJohnSind]

There used be be a thing called “blueprinting” a hull, essentially getting the hook out of the hull. Don’t hear much about it theses days, so I’m guessing modern boats are already optimized and don’t need it. Modern hulls are likely already designed to be as fast as they can be (within the parameters of their design), but boats are just getting heavier.

[Johnnyred]

Yes there are hydrophobic coatings that reduce drag, however they have to be applied often.

James, I assume these hydrophobic coatings can be user-applied? Do you know any brand names so I can look them up? Do you have any personal experience with them?

[PSM207]

James, I assume these hydrophobic coatings can be user-applied? Do you know any brand names so I can look them up? Do you have any personal experience with them?

I experimented with them several years ago on my Skeeter and Waverunner, but I feel the gains are marginal at best.

[Johnnyred]

I experimented with them several years ago on my Skeeter and Waverunner, but I feel the gains are marginal at best.

Did you use Wearlon's Speedcoat49? Other?

[PMantle]

Yes there are hydrophobic coatings that reduce drag, however they have to be applied often.

The testing I've seen with these show lower speeds with the coating.

[PSM207]

The testing I've seen with these show lower speeds with the coating.

I agree.

[Smallie_Hawgin]

I can say the Wetlander coating I put on my River-pro, did improve top end, sped up hole shot (to less than one boat length) and reduced overall drag. It's no 70 mph rig, but I plan to try this on the Xpress pad area this summer and see what happens. It is pretty amazing stuff once it dries. It is easily applied, once all the prep work is done. It is not immune to wear, but has lasted a couple of years with significant bumps on rocks and sand since then. Keep in mind, the River-pro has a lot of hull in contact with the water (by design for the jet intake), so any reduction in friction can help. On a traditional bass boat pad, there may be less influence as there is far less surface area in direct contact with the water. In any case, may be worth checking into. https://jetboatcoatings.com/ They also have a coating "specialized" for open water rigs... https://speedcoat49.com/

[RazorCat]

Hit it with some WD-40. It’ll makes just about anything better.

[DewRonInc]

There used be be a thing called “blueprinting” a hull, essentially getting the hook out of the hull. Don’t hear much about it theses days, so I’m guessing modern boats are already optimized and don’t need it. Modern hulls are likely already designed to be as fast as they can be (within the parameters of their design), but boats are just getting heavier.

mine is getting done as I type lol

[DewRonInc]

Super slick acts like glue on the water, sand ur pad about 6 ft forward with 360 grit paper, wet sand it, idea is not to have a slick surface…

[crank68]

There used be be a thing called “blueprinting” a hull, essentially getting the hook out of the hull. Don’t hear much about it theses days, so I’m guessing modern boats are already optimized and don’t need it. Modern hulls are likely already designed to be as fast as they can be (within the parameters of their design), but boats are just getting heavier.

This is the only answer…. Roughing up the pad breaks the surface tension

[RMG63]

I can remember back in the days when Roland Martin used to wax the bottom of his Ranger for increased speed, so he claimed. Son !

[Johnnyred]

I can remember back in the days when Roland Martin used to wax the bottom of his Ranger for increased speed, so he claimed. Son !

I have always heard do NOT wax the pad it will increase friction between the water and hull. I assume if true this means real old school carnuba or bees wax. Maybe polymers and sealers and silicones are smooth and slick enough that they decrease friction at the water, hull interface?

[fishnfireman]

I have always heard do NOT wax the pad it will increase friction between the water and hull. I assume if true this means real old school carnuba or bees wax. Maybe polymers and sealers and silicones are smooth and slick enough that they decrease friction at the water, hull interface?

nature has it figured out.. ever feel a sharks skin.
Smooth and slick is not the fastest option where water is concerned. Years ago, I knew several who spent a lot of money trying to go faster with a teflon style coating. Water conditions made a bigger difference in there top speed than the coating did.
But it sounds like your mind is made up. So get it done and report back.

[Idaho Sandman]

Super slick acts like glue on the water, sand ur pad about 6 ft forward with 360 grit paper, wet sand it, idea is not to have a slick surface…

This is the answer. Not sure why Johny wants to keep overlooking it and going back to slick/slippery. You’re trying to break surface “tension” that water creates as it flows along a hull. Slight abrasion the direction of travel is the best way to achieve this. Another reason why snow ski bases are not super smooth but have a certain type of base “structure” depending on snow, to remove the “tension”.