"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 14:56:12 -0500, "Gary"
wrote:


I hold a double doctoratein phyics.


#1: Am I right in thinking the Coefficient of Friction can not be more
than
1.0
In other words, the MAX force needed to pull the boat forward is 4000
lbs.

Yes, that is correct.

#2: The boat (painted wood) sets on four carpeted bunks. Am I right in
understanding
that the amount of surface area between the boat & bunks does not matter
as
far as
increasing or decreasing the friction?

Incorrect. The greater the surface area, the greater the friction.


Actually, no. Frictional force =(the coefficient of friction)x (mass) x
(acceleration due to gravity).