Melges 15 hull care, What’s legal?
Taking care of the bottom of your Melges 15 is key to ensuring the boat keeps its competitive edge. Below are some best practices to make sure your maintenance regime falls within the class rules.
Can I wet sand the boat?
You are allowed to wet sand the bottom of your Melges 15 with up to 600 grit sand paper. This will make the area you are sanding match the factory bottom finish of your boat.
Is Polishing/ buffing your boat legal?
No, you may may not polish or buff the bottom of your boat. Polishing is considered sanding with a sandpaper grit finer than 600grit, a scotch brite pad finer then very fine, machine or hand buffing with polishing compound.
Can I wax the bottom of my boat?
Yes, you may apply a protective wax to the bottom of your boat so long as the wax does not contain any cutting/ grit compound that would smooth the finish of the hull past 600 grit. Liquid and paste waxes are legal so long as they don’t contain polishing or cutting compounds.
What is the best way to prepare for a regatta?
We recommend cleaning your bottom with soap and water and not applying any wax before regattas.
I sail in dirty water, how should I protect my boat?
Applying some wax can reduce marine growth and discoloration.
Melges recommended waxes:
Scotchgard™ Marine Liquid Wax
3M Perfect-It™ Boat Wax
If you have questions about proper maintenance and upkeep, email sales@melges.com. If your boat needs service or repairs, contact the Melges Team in Zenda, WI by calling 262-275-1110.