DSK wrote:
I would think that the metal would produce a rougher surface
than wetsanding. But wetsanding is a super PITA, especially
if taking the effort to get it fair. On a small one-design
it's not that big a deal to wetsand with a longboard up to
600 grit and finish with 1000 grit. This produces an
incredibly perfect bottom (and the realization that skill &
attention to detail during the race itself makes far more
difference).

After wetsanding burnishing with bronze wool or burlap polishes the
surface.

Unrelated question: How come there's no frac rigs at all in
your fleet?

Don't know how you reached that conclusion. A Merit 25 and a Tartan 35
first come to mind. The Tartan owner even has a J35 main. There is
also a Ranger 22 and a Beneteau 23 that I think are fractional. We had
a Laser 28 but the owner sold the boat last year. Personally I feel
mastheads are better on the bay. Bigger chutes for light air.