Kayak wax?

[inbx3]

Is there anything to put on kayaks to keep the bottom nice and slick like wax or something else? I saw on You Tube some Guy spray/wipe WD40 on his. Any thoughts?

[taggermike]

I have never done this or heard of it. I don't know how much a wax or lube would lower the co-efficiant of friction of a plastic kayak hull. Maybe some but not enough to be noticable. I'd be concerned with the product getting on the top of the yak and being slippery. Also handling the kayak might get the stuff on your car or on your hands. I don't like slippery hands on a kayak. If you try let us know. Mike

[StinkyMatt]

Not trying to be a wise guy, what would be the reason for this?

[inbx3]

Don't worry about being a wise guy. I know there is boat wax and was just wondering if something similar for kayaks. I know they're plastic and all but don't think some wax would hurt.

Originally Posted by inbx3

Don't worry about being a wise guy. I know there is boat wax and was just wondering if something similar for kayaks. I know they're plastic and all but don't think some wax would hurt.

Boat wax is more like car wax, it's to protect the paint. If you've ever seen/felt the bottom of a boat, it's actually rather course due to the texture of good bottom paint. my .02

[fish doctor]

any good plastic polish will work
like whats used for visors
novus armoural mirror glaze
it might give you a bit more speed
and help keep the yak from sun damage

[Rabac3898]

Check out 303 Aerospace Protectant. I have been using it for several years. West Marine carries them.

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by inbx3

Is there anything to put on kayaks to keep the bottom nice and slick like wax or something else? I saw on You Tube some Guy spray/wipe WD40 on his. Any thoughts?

WD-40 will help keep the plastics looking nice and will act as a water repllant. After all the WD stands for Water Displacement.
http://www.wd40.com/faqs/
I have used it on my deck hatches to keep them looking nice and help them from fading from being in the sun when I'm out. I have never sprayed in on the bottom however, I doubt it will help me go any faster.

If you're thinking like a surfer you do not want anything on the bottom that could cause drag. I would just make sure the bottom is clean and you should be fine.

[Yakin]

I have not look threw the other comments above.
But as for the WD40 it is more of a protection from the sun to prevent fading/sun damage, also it will help with mold on the plastic.
If anything I would say Maybe the wax a surfer puts on his surf board before riding.
But also I don't know anything about surfing.

[Old Man in the Sea]

Spanish or greenback work the best...

[BigBalsa]

I use McLube HullKote on my paddleboard - makes it slicker than snot. Not cheap stuff but works wonders. Found it at West Marine.