Graphite VS. Wax

Teddy Madison · Post by **Teddy Madison** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:30 pm

Has anyone tried waxing the bottom of a boat rather than going with Graphite? It would be more maintenance because you would have to reapply the wax periodically but a cheaper lighter option as well.

Any dangers to doing this? I would be willing to give it a go once I get mine built.

Wayne

Kayak Jack · Post by **Kayak Jack** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 5:21 pm

I would avoid wax, for several reasons.

1. It will not provide a service that you need. The boat is already waterproof.
2. It will not protect from damage by rocks, stumps, etc. Graphite enriched epoxy is several times harder than just epoxy.
3. It might be almost as slippery as graphite when going through lilly pads, etc.
4. Next time you want to add epoxy to cover scratches, etc. you will never get off all that wax. Epoxy will not adhere to those patches, and you will have a mess.

Post by **jem** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 5:32 pm

Wax could be used. I'm not sure how much benefit it would provide. Maybe reduce some hull drag in the water but don't know if it would be enough to noticed.

Any significant bump you hit would push the wax right out of the way. Might soften the blow ever so slightly.

Teddy Madison · Post by **Teddy Madison** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 6:49 am

Good points, thank you. When I posted that I was thinking about the slip factor and totally forgot about armor benefits.

Wayne

Oldsparkey · Post by **Oldsparkey** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:25 am

Wax on a fiberglass canoe when paddling threw weeds or Lilly pads makes them want to stick to the boat and squeak as they rub against the bottom , I have no idea why this happens it just does.
The graphite on the bottom just slides right threw without any problems and no squeaking or sticking.

Can't explain why , all I know is what happen with me at two different times in two different boats paddling the Okefenokee Swamp. I Never looked under the boat when paddling threw there , way to many of those large Georgia /Florida lizards swimming around the area.

Chuck.