How Can I Make My Boat Run Faster?

Minor alterations to any boat can lead to a noticeable increase in speed.

Small boat owners are often obsessed with finding ways to enhance the speed of their vessels, whether an aluminum fish boat or hi-tech sailing dinghy. While there is always the obvious option of buying a faster boat, many owners prefer to extract the maximum output from their current boat. There are enhancements that any boat owner can make to increase the speed of their craft. These modifications can be implemented independently of one another and do not require a major financial investment.

Things You'll Need

• 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper
• 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper
• Stainless steel prop

Instructions

1. Swap an aluminum propeller for a stainless steel one.

   Stainless steel propellers do not flex under pressure as much as aluminum propellers, resulting in increased boat speed. Invest in a three bladed prop for the maximum performance enhancement.

2. Remove all unnecessary gear and equipment from the boat.

   There is a direct correlation between the boat's weight and its speed. The less weight the boat is forced to haul, the faster the boat can go. All necessary equipment should be located near the center of the boat to improve the boat's trim and balance.

3. Remove the paint from the bottom of the boat using sand paper.

   First, wet sand the bottom using 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper and then use 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper to ensure that the bottom is perfectly smooth and that any imperfections have been removed. After sanding the bottom of the boat, avoid applying wax as it tends to create friction with tiny air bubbles on the surface of the water which leads to reduced speed.

Tips & Warnings

• The EPA has rules designed to ensure that any chemicals or debris left over after sanding a boat do not contaminate the environment. Prior to sanding, ensure that an absorbent tarp is placed underneath the boat and that all debris is carefully collected and disposed of and not simply allowed to blow away. A link to the EPA's boaters handbook is provided in the resources section. The handbook contains full EPA guidance for boat sanding.

References

• Laser XD: Sailboat Tuning
• Epic Kayaks: To Wax or Not to Wax
• Hooked on Fishing Boats: Ways to Make Your Boat Go Faster

Resources

• EPA Boaters Handbook