Why Does Oxidation Cause Drag?

When you're out on the open water, the last thing you want is for your boat to start slowing down. Unfortunately, oxidation can cause drag and reduce your speed. In this blog post, we'll explain what oxidation is and how it affects your boat.  We'll also provide some tips for reducing drag and keeping your boat moving at top speed.

So, what is oxidation? In simple terms, it's the process of oxygen molecules attaching to surfaces. This can happen to boat hulls, propellers, and other metal parts. The oxygen molecules form a layer of rust or corrosion on the surface of the metal. As this layer builds up, it becomes thicker and rougher. This creates more drag on the boat, which makes it harder to move through the water.

There are a few ways to prevent oxidation from happening in the first place. First, you can keep your boat clean and free of debris. This will help reduce the amount of oxygen that comes into contact with your hull and other metal parts. You can also apply a coat of wax or sealant to your boat. This will create a barrier between the metal and the oxygen, which will prevent oxidation from happening.

If you already have some oxidation on your boat, there are still ways to reduce drag. One way is to sand down the affected area until it's smooth again. This will help reduce the amount of friction between the boat and the water. You can also apply a new coat of wax or sealant to the area. This will create a smooth surface that will allow your boat to move more quickly through the water.

Thanks for reading! We hope this blog post has helped you understand why oxidation causes drag and how you can prevent it. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We're always happy to help!