: HAHA! You are so right about the mental effect. When I was racing
: in the Rolex we would always put on a big show of getting the
: boat prepped- hauling out and putting a big cover over the keel.
: We'd start rumors that the boat had some new-fangled keel
: doomahicky thingie that was going to make the boat faster. I
: caught a guy on race day swimming under the boat trying to get a
: peek. It was all a farce. We really just were sanding the bottom
: and tightening up the keel bolts. (because it leaked!) Yachties
: can be quite obnoxious and I find great pleasure in screwing
: with them.

: The water adhering to the hull would be neutrally buoyant and would
: therefore not add any weight.

Buoyancy wasn't the issue Malcolm, if the boat effectively gains 10 lbs. of water weight it's like trying to paddle a heavier boat, has to be pushed by the paddler, a lighter boat paddles easier than a heavy one. Would be good test if you had a towing tank....and I happen to know someone that does, I'll have to mention this to him :)

Bill H.