Boat in the water: How often to clean the bottom?

[Tommy in FLL]

I keep my boat in the water in a canal in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The water is brackish, and I bought the boat in November of 2008.

So far, I haven't pulled it out. It has anti-fouling paint on the bottom, and though I haven't jumped in the canal with a mask on and looked, I can see a small amount of green "hair" growing off of one of the engine supports on the transom. The bottom paint on all sides looks pretty clean.

I've wanted to pull it out for a month or so, but something always comes up [dammit~] and I just started to wonder how long it can go before I put it on the trailer before it becomes a big project to clean it off.

Any advice?

T!

 

[David Greer]

Re: Boat in the water: How often to clean the bottom?

A lot depends on the type of paint. Some you are not supposed to leave it out fro any length of time. One paint, sea Hawk, has this great sounding warranty until you read the terms--youhave to scrub it every month! why bother.
Also some paints you don't want to clean with a hard brush b/c it will take too much paint off. "Ablative" paint is designed to wear down like a bar of soap with use.
If nothing else, pull it and power wash, even at a car wash.

 

[Tommy in FLL]

Re: Boat in the water: How often to clean the bottom?

Thanx David!

T

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Boat in the water: How often to clean the bottom?

Do you have access to a decent beach? It's not too hard to run a brush and scrub the bottom while you are in the water. It will actually be easier while it's floating .....then you can pull the boat and finish the job.

It would just make the cleaning easier and yes fine green hair (Just like Yoda has) is not good for the bottom or your boats performance.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Boat in the water: How often to clean the bottom?

Tommy, as said above, it depends on the paint you have. If you actually went out and used the boat, it might help clean it off.

 

[TJLMERC330]

Re: Boat in the water: How often to clean the bottom?

I leave my boat in the water from April till November, it is painted with Albative paint, but I sometimes see growth if I dont use it for a week or two.
(depending on the water temp) Usually taking it out for a blast will help clean the scum off the hull. If you notice a difference in performance, pull it/power wash it ...... if the boat stay's in the water all year I'd paint the bottom with a good quality Albative paint before re-launching .....

Good luck !! Tom