Paint - Slows Down? Speeds Up? Race Legal?

Hi! I've just acquired 2 Hobie 16s (1973 and 1981) ... The hulls have been patched a few times and don't exactly look that good. In fact, one of the boats looks like permanent puke ... Not a pretty site ...

I'm getting ready for a series of regattas in the spring (yes, six months away) ... Wondering if painting is legal for racing? (Typical newbie question) ...

Also, there will be added weight with any epoxy based paint ... Not a physics or fluid dynamics person, will the additional weight and friction change impact speed? (Boy, didn't that sound intelligent!)

Any help or inspiration is greatly appreciated!!!

Cajun

Nothing illegal about paiinting the hulls,

However keep in mind that with the older boats, your allready sailing heavy (The hull weights, and minimum weight changed in I BELIVE 84/85). So unless you can find lighter crew to match weight with the newer lighter hulls, or are just learning to race, I wouldn't put epoxy paint on the hulls, if you need to keep up with the A-Fleeters.

Your best bet might just be to buff the hulls with some heavy duty rubbing compound.

It's been a challenge with used boats ... Replacing parts, sails, etc ...

My '81 is lighter than the '73, but the '73 is in much better shape ... I wondering if I should invest the time and energy to lighten the weight ... or just sail in the "C" class, win a couple of regattas, then get a newer boat ...

(Boy, that was cocky!) ... I hope that I win ...

Anyway, thanks for the help!

I'd save you time and money and go for the latter option..

Get comfortable going around the race course, and then buy a newer boat.

Of course I am biased as I sail a 2005.

I like your attitude though You can never be too cocky forfor the big race!