Independent Research on Wearlon Coatings by Biomaterial Researchers

Dr. Robert Baier of the University of Buffalo and Wearlon have been collaborating since the late 1990’s, and have presented some pioneering work within the field of low surface energy coatings and anti-fouling.

As reported under the heading “Intrinsic Drag Reduction of Biofouling-Resistant Coatings” by Robert E. Baier, Anne E. Meyer, Robert L. Forsberg, and Mark S. Ricotta, Industry / University Center for Biosurfaces, State University of New York at Buffalo, NY and sponsored by the U.S. Office of Naval Research and recorded under the proceedings “Emerging Nonmetallic Materials for the Marine Environment,” “Reduction in drag resistance of a craft through water has brought out the advantage of using Wearlon as a marine coating. In particular, the addition of controlled superficial microtexture while maintaining critical surface tension between 20 and 30 mN/m provides a drag reduction advantage that can usher in a new generation of energy-saving marine coatings.” Results suggest the following for best reduction in drag resistance:

1. Low to very low surface energies, such as Wearlon, at a 20 to 30 mN/m surface tension.
2. Surface – layer turbulence suppression by coating compliance
3. Micro-roughness, at a scale that supports nucleation, entrapment, and release of microbubbles into the boundary layer and free stream flow.

The dimpled Wearlon surface on a boat has a high contact angle with water while reducing the air drag, resulting in improved speed for watercraft. Sailboats, speedboats, and hydroplanes benefit from this added advantage in speed.

According to hydroplane racer, Joe Pater, “I raced last weekend with both the hydro and runabout. (Both are coated with Wearlon). I won both the DASH FOR THE CASH (one of the hardest races in the country to win) and the North American Championship in CSR. So, the wins just keep on coming and Wearlon is a part of the success.

Click here to see a brief history of the relationship of Wearlon, the US Navy, and the BioMaterials Research Lab at University of Buffalo and Dr. Robert  Baier.

Speedcoat-49 is perfect for Pontoons

Bare aluminum is “grippy” and produces a lot of drag in water.  Bare aluminum is also an ideal surface for slime, algae, barnacles, mussels and other fouling organisms to take hold, which creates even MORE drag (it also makes your boat look nasty).  This drag slows the pontoons down, forces your engine to work harder, and drastically increases fuel consumption.

At Wearlon®, we produce coatings with non-stick and low surface energies.  SpeedCoat-49 has a very low surface energy, 22 dynes per cm, and can dramatically reduce fouling on your pontoons.  Most fouling organisms cannot get a grip on a Wearlon treated surface.  By simply rolling on a layer of SpeedCoat-49, you will increase your top speed, avoid the dreaded “scum line”, while reducing engine strain and fuel consumption.

In March of 2012, in Lakeland Florida, Joe Pater smashed the C Stock Hydro world record time by 12 seconds.  That same day, Joe broke a second world record – the 20 Super Stock Hydro record by 2 seconds.  Joe had SpeedCoat-49 on the bottom of his hull.

Pulled from NEWSCHIEF.COM

LAKELAND – Testing and teamwork resulted in two world records for boat driver Joe Pater on Friday in the American Powerboat Racing Association’s Winter Nationals on Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. Pater, a 59-year-old from Michigan, set pending records winning both the 20 Super Stock Hydro and C Stock Hydro classes Friday under sunny skies on the first day of racing. Pater smashed the old C Stock Hydro record by 12 seconds in the second elimination heat and broke the 20 Super Stock Hydro record by two seconds, taking two of three categories that were contested Friday. “I couldn’t have done anything any better,” he said. Dave Bennett of St. Augustine captured the A Stock Hydro class. Pater’s teammate Mike Pavlick of Illinois placed second in both the C Stock and 20 Super Stock races behind Pater. The multiple-time summer and winter national champion credited two factors for the fast finishes. Time on the water and a relatively new partnership with Pavlick. “I test a lot,” Pater said. According to Pater, he tested in the fall after the season’s final races, earlier in the spring and again Thursday. “He works harder than anybody in racing by far,” Pavlick said. “Mike builds the boats and I’m the motor man,” Pater said. The two, who live about two hours apart, formed a partnership in the fall of 2010. Pater captured the 2011 APBA 20ss Hydro and 25 Runabout summer national titles with Pavlick in second. They also work with Don Allen and his son, Donnie. “Someone’s always pushing to go faster and do better,” Pavlick said. “We legitimately don’t care who does what. We’re thrilled for each other.”

Pulled directly from Hydroracer.net

2012 Records

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Here is a list of records from APBA, I have the entire list in excel if folks want it. It shows;1. the old grandfathered record, Grandfathered records were for the 3 mile 3 lap course2. the “new 95%” records that have been set in 2012. Remember the 2012 “new” records do not receive HOC points if they were set at the 95% rule…3. the 3/4 mile recorsASR Grandfathered – 48.891 ASR new 95% – 47.151 Dave Bennett in Lakeland ASR 3/4 mile – 45.390BSR Grandfathered – 52.199 BSR new 95% – 49.802 Ed Hearn in Lakeland BSR 3/4 – 50.163CSR Grandfathered – 59.178 CSR new 95% – none CSR 3/4 – 54.16225SSR Grandfathered – 57.046 25SSR new 95% – none 25SSR 3/4 – 52.420ASH Grandfathered – 50.345 ASH new 95% – 49.234 Dave Bennett in Lakeland ASH 3/4 – 48.496 BSH Grandfathered – 56.515 BSH new 95% – none BSH 3/4 – 54.684 CSH Grandfathered – 61.364 CSH new 95% – 62.248 Joe Pater in Lakeland CSH 3/4 – 58.033 DSH Grandfathered – 70.313 DSH new 95% – none DSH 3/4 – 64.221 20SSH Grandfathered – 58.705 20SSH new 95% – 58.840 Joe Pater in Lakeland 20SSH 3/4 – 56.133

Race results showing Joe Pater winning in 3 different classes: