GETTING A SURFACE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 237, 7 October 1933, Page 13

GETTING A SURFACE.

Several correspondents ask advice on preparing the bottom o£ their small craft for racing in the coming season. There is nothing like a hard, smooth surface on the bottom and sides of any craft when it comes to a race. At the ganders Cup contest at Akaroa in 1929 the Wellington boat, Clyde, was runner-up to our boat, Avalon, the winner. Clyde was a really good boat, but lacked the enamel finish of Avalon. In fact, the only boat approaching her in finish was the Betty. To get the best results on a boat three or four years old, the paint should be burnt off, as it is harder to get a good surface without doing so. If the bottom is not so bad, use pumice bricks, and keep them wet when in use. Hub in a fore-and-aft direction and with the giain of the wood as far as possible. When the paint has all been rubbed down, wash it thoroughly, and when dry finish with fine glasspaper. The surface should then be ready for the first coat of paint. Red lead is good for a filler, or half red and half white lead. Put it on thinly and brush out well. Try and get a smooth surface for the first coat as well us the final one. When dry, rub each coat lightly with fine sandpaper and finish off in the required colour, which should have some varnish in it, unless an enamel is bought ready made. Three coats are necessary to get really good finish, unless the old paint was in good order, when a "flat" and a final coat should do. Cut in the waterline very carefully, using a thin batten. An irregular wavy waterline looks very amateurish. The centre-board can be treated the same as the bottom, except that after the paint has been remov-ed,a coat of non-rust oil should be applied and allowed several days to soak into the pores of the iron and dry thoroughly. It is just as necessary to have the "plate" smooth as the rest of the bottom. Take the "plate" out to do this and have a look at the king

MODEL YACHT NOTES. THE ORAKEI CLUB. The Orakei Model 'Yacht Club, which expected to open its racing season on the Saturday prior to Labour Day, may have to defer it for a fortnight or more as the work of extending the jetty and other matters in hand may not be finished in that time. The club lias several new boats and quite a large addition to its membership. The club building is in good order and when once started the racing will be very keen and held under ideal conditions. THE PONSONBY CLUB. The Ponsonby Club held its fourth races of the season during the week-end. Tliey were closely contested especially the allcomers, for which a special prize was offered by one of the numerous enthusiasts who follow the fortunes of these small craft with evident interest each race day. Ten boats started off their handicap times and Alf Bell's Billy Boy, on 5.0 mark, won. Scout won the 4ft class and Val Hoy the 3ft by 17s. THE MANUKAU CLUB. The Manukau Senior Model Yacht Club will open the season on Saturday, October 21. Eight of this club's one-design class of 4-footers are building, and judging by No. 1 they are very shapely boats and they can sail as well as they look. It was hoped that one of these boats, which Mr. J. Park, president, built Tor liis son, would be competing, but she did nqt arrive, but may be on hand on October 15. NEW CLUB AT OTAIiUHU. A Model Yacht Club was formed this week at Otahuhu under the wing of the Otahuhu Sailing Club. The meeting was held in the clubhouse, Mr. H. Ncal being elected commodore. A number of members with 3ft and 4ft boats joined up and the total is about 20. Races will be held fortnightly when in proper trim. A second meeting takes place on Wednesday, when rules, etc., will be adopted.