Divers for hull cleaning Portsmouth

[All_at_Sea]

Anyone used divers for cleaning the hull in or around Portsmouth? Don't know if this is cheaper than lift out and re-launch but for a 46 footer l expect it might be. Searched the forum but all that comes up is a coke bottle on the end of a brush - not what l had in mind!

 

[Georgio]

I have used RS Divers, based in Portsmouth, for a hull clean a couple of times. I think their charge was similar to that of getting lifted and cleaned and the boat lift (Sealift) at Haslar.

They did a decent enough job but if you use them regularly (or jet was regularly) you need to use a hard AF as they will soon scrub/wash it all off.

 

[Skylark]

Can't help with a specific recommendation but as a general comment diving to scrub the hull is a lousy job. I suspect it's a bit like welding a rotten chassis in the 1970s. Give a high quote; if it's accepted they'll be well rewarded, otherwise, simply not worth it. I dive my own vessel mid season to give her a scrub and always make a note to self not to do it again! Normally when underwater, I have a low air consumption. Doing this job, I use air like it's going out of fashion. Newton's Law "every action has an equal and opposite reaction" is very true when trying to use a hand brush underwater. Good luck in finding someone.

 

[Colin Regs]

I used RS Divers a number of times some years ago, when they were a small outfit of thoroughly good divers led by a fine boss. They have obviously grown significantly, and I congratulate them on that. They did sterling work for me back then, and I would not hesitate to use them again (in fact, it's really nice to visit their website now and see how the business has progressed).

 

[jimmyk]

Can you just not dry out. When grounded scurb the hull before the tide completely goes. Easier to scrub when wet. Appreciate on a big boat. Big job. Couple of mates though and job done

 

[Just_sayin']

As above, quick and simple = Sealift.

 

[prv]

Newton's Law "every action has an equal and opposite reaction" is very true when trying to use a hand brush underwater.

Have you tried using a stick-on handle to anchor yourself in position? I have one intended to be stuck to a tiled wall to help elderly people avoid slipping over in the shower; it sticks very firmly to the hull. I haven't tried it under water yet but it seems like it ought to help...

Pete

 

[Hadenough]

Have you tried using a stick-on handle to anchor yourself in position? I have one intended to be stuck to a tiled wall to help elderly people avoid slipping over in the shower; it sticks very firmly to the hull. I haven't tried it under water yet but it seems like it ought to help...

Pete

They won't stick to an antifouled hull, been there done that:encouragement:

 

[rotrax]

I would use the Sealift at Haslar-about an hour to lift and pressure wash.

A bit over £100.00 IIRC.

Worth a 'phone call....................

 

[Georgio]

I would use the Sealift at Haslar-about an hour to lift and pressure wash.

A bit over £100.00 IIRC.

Worth a 'phone call....................

I think it was closer to 140/150 last time I checked but they do deals if you pay upfront for 3 washes to be redeemed during the season. Good if you are racing but I tend to use my clubs scrubbing grid and a jet wash.

 

[Just_sayin']

I would use the Sealift at Haslar-about an hour to lift and pressure wash.

A bit over £100.00 IIRC.

Worth a 'phone call....................

Me too

 

[rotrax]

I think it was closer to 140/150 last time I checked but they do deals if you pay upfront for 3 washes to be redeemed during the season. Good if you are racing but I tend to use my clubs scrubbing grid and a jet wash.

My last one was £109.00-April last year.

 

[Georgio]

My last one was £109.00-April last year.

Excellent, I may start using them again

 

[savageseadog]

Why use divers when you can keel haul a crewman?

 

[Skylark]

Have you tried using a stick-on handle to anchor yourself in position? I have one intended to be stuck to a tiled wall to help elderly people avoid slipping over in the shower; it sticks very firmly to the hull. I haven't tried it under water yet but it seems like it ought to help...

Pete

I'd thought about using something like this to make the inflatable more stable for mid season topsides polish but not for use underwater.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121492132882?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

When diving the hull, I generally just struggle....... I've often thought of creating some form of rope lattice, say 1 metre squares, slung under. You really do need something to grip, to hold on to, otherwise you're at the mercy of zero gravity (neutral buoyancy) just like Sandra Bullock, but not as cute.

 

[William_H]

I find diving myself very satisfying. I just use a mask and snorkel. Fins can make it easier but I don't bother. Sure mine is a small boat and I can hang from the gunwhale with one hand while doing the first foot or so from the water line. Under the boat body, swimming free is not a problem. I find my arms get tired first. A rope attached bow and stern each side would help on a bigger boat especially if there was any tide running. I can dive down and grab the leading edge and bottom of the keel for grip while I do the fine keel.
With my little boat 21ft I bring it home on a trailer. Actual a/f and scraping is quite difficult due to miriad rollers and trailer structure, such that I am currently trying to remove as much old a/f as possibloe in the water with wet and dry sand paper. I think I have certainly removed all last years a/f and it is clean enough for recoat. Summer is well and truly over but still warm sunny days. Nice in the water but the weed still grows very fast. Racing season finishes this coming weekend so will perhaps bring it home next week.
I would urge all my UK friends to try in water scrubbing. You will need a wet suit, and weight belt to counteract the buoyancy. + mask and snorkel. It is all good excercise if nothing else. Obviously for a bigger boat you might need a few sessions of diving. good luck olewill

 

[Steve Clayton]

Also recommend RSDivers. Currently have a discount offer of book your scrub by 8th May and "we pay the VAT"

 

[johnwest]

RS Divers or Sealift. Both very good.

j