pad/chine scratches n new gel coat...?

[YukonGt]

does removing all pad n chine scratches n gouges add to top end at all, and how much? it's a 20 year old champion n the bottom is VERY scratched up...especially the chines. i've been through everything trying to get this ol' tank up n out of the water. it spins it's wheels like it has the front breaks on. i think it might have some water trapped in it, and the pad/bottom needs cleaning up too. this '83 18'9" champ with '81 200 rude (w/ram air...200rpm+) is turning 6400 rpms (winter) n only going 63.6 mph with light load. i've adjusted the 8" jack plate with lots of props/cupped, etc. i've also modified the trim up with extensions...much needed. above speed was with a 26" predator recupped 300rpms. I've also tried a 26" raker. i just ordered a 27" renegade...we'll see next week. i will also get my tach checked soon, but it's screamin. any suggestion...serious ones! thanks...

dale...
senior car/2 stroke bike racer
junior n semi-rookie boater

[YukonGt]

sorry...just me again...

anyone out there accept this semi-challenging question...?

[Raceman]

Since nobody else played so far, maybe this keeps it to the top for attention. I don't think the scratches make any difference to you unless they're really severe. Trapped water would obviously make a big difference. I'm unfamiliar with your boat, but sometimes an extremely long drill bit inserted through the drain plug hole will access a chamber where water has become trapped. The Merc dealer here in the 70's had a set that were 5 or 6 feet long that he used for that purpose and some of the home improvement warehouses like Lowe's or Home Depot have em in their electrical departments.