> You might want to discuss the graphite idea with Chris at CLC. I had
> planned to actually coat both the bottom and the sides of my CLC North Bay
> with graphite-saturated epoxy in the second coat, but I also talked with
> the gent whose boat I saw at CLC, and who was --- I guess --- the source
> of the graphite idea and the notation in the CLC Shop Notes. I'm no longer
> going to go that route for a lot of reasons --- primarily because there
> are some negative impacts on the strength of the epoxy when you mix in
> enough graphite to make a difference in drag resistance and surface
> hardness --- but I could make you a really good deal on a six ounce can of
> graphite if you still want to go that way!

> Jack Martin

Hi Jack, Actually the strength of the epoxy is reduced only in that it will not bond as well. So don't use graphite as a bonding filler, but what would you bond to the outside of your hull anyway. It does seem to make the epoxy harder and more scratch resistant. I'm told that it reduces friction, but we have no way to measure this, at least not until the tow tank is completed ;-). Still, if you think it makes you go faster... What I do want to know is if you tried that MAS/Dupont Teflon powder I gave you last time you came by the shop. I wonder how it works, but I'm sure not going to try it first ;-)

Chris, Chesapeake Light Craft