CaptainAhab
Active Member
As most sailors have heard there are 2 trains of thought about smoothness of hull/blades. First is smoother the better, second is at some point(400 or 600 grit) it doesn't matter, because its water on water.
Frank Bethwaite's book High Performance Sailing says that he tested 2 Laser rudders. Both sanded to 1200 grit then one was buffed. His testing showed a 23% reduction in steering force at 11 knots of speed. 1200 grit is very very smooth. Its amazing that the buffing is has such a dramatic effect. I wonder what the difference is from 400 to mirror.
He recommends that all hulls and foils should be buffed to a mirror finish.
Has anyone done this to their rudder and noticed any improvement on stalling?
Frank Bethwaite's book High Performance Sailing says that he tested 2 Laser rudders. Both sanded to 1200 grit then one was buffed. His testing showed a 23% reduction in steering force at 11 knots of speed. 1200 grit is very very smooth. Its amazing that the buffing is has such a dramatic effect. I wonder what the difference is from 400 to mirror.
He recommends that all hulls and foils should be buffed to a mirror finish.
Has anyone done this to their rudder and noticed any improvement on stalling?