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<DIV>The last few posts have been very informative about boat prep. I think to be a top contender one needs to fair the keel and bottom also. However, if you don't have a perfect keel and bottom you can still have fun racing. Lots of us doing the beercan series keep our boats in the water and believe me no one has a less racer-friendly keel and bottom than me. 2 coats of ablative bottom paint rolled on with a house paint roller . Last done 4 years ago. The keel has so many little pot holes in it that I don't have the time or inclination to fair it, yet I race 20 to 25 times and year and love every minute of it. Even won a couple of them. Find a playing field that you can compete and have fun in and GO FOR IT. Btw the race clinics at TI are a great way to gain more skills and confidence.</DIV>
<DIV>See ya on the water</DIV>
<DIV>Tom</DIV>
<DIV>Fun Zone</DIV></body></html>