Hull cleaning in the water

[pcatterall]

My last post was about antifoul. It is clear that here in the Med ( where the boat may stay in a marina for several weeks without moving) we need to have a regular underwater scrub off.
I had a go on my last visit using some of the tips from this very forum ( for which my thanks) I found the water warm enough without the need for a wet suit. I had goggles and was prepared to dive but started by cleaning with my feet keeping my head out of the mucky marina water. This proved quite effective especially around the stern where I could hook a foot under the rudder and clean with my other foot. Further along the hull I could still manage by holding onto a looped line but it was more difficult as the force needed by my feet tended to push me away from the boat.
I guess that I could use a rope under the keel to pull against and have just read about a guy who uses suction pads ( I thought the kitchen sink type with a short wooden stick/handle would work)
One down side was that I completely ruined a pair of ( cheap) deck shoes! I may consider one of those 'Scrubiss' hull cleaners or just adapt an angled scrubber with the ( recommended) coke bottle buoyancy!

So guys...........what do you think of the suction pad idea and have you any crafty techniques to share?

 

[Hydrozoan]

... So guys...........what do you think of the suction pad idea and have you any crafty techniques to share?

I have no useful thoughts on the suction pad idea, but if you're going down the buoyant brush approach a short length of drainage pipe with appropriate end fittings makes a robust foundation for a strong extending handle and a brush head; screw-in fitments on the end(s) allow the buoyancy to be varied.

 

[vyv_cox]

It's just a matter of practice. With a mask and snorkel I can clear down to the hull/keel joint fairly easily. No ropes, suction cups or any other aids. The more you do it the better you get, although I would never attempt it in a marina, I know what we put in to the water and no doubt others are much worse.

A couple of years ago we met a UK man in the north of the Aegean whomwas perfectly happy to free dive to 30 metres. Showed me what is possible with enthusiasm.

 

[wiggy]

I only swim to do the rudder and keel, I use mask and fins with a stiff brush, Aquilo is copper coated.
The hull I do with my DIY hull cleaner which I'm just about to upgrade. At present its a piece of carpet on a board with a 5 litre container for buoyancy and an old windsurf boom for a handle.
My upgrade is to replace the carpet with an AstroTurf door mat, not tried yet.
Workers well for me and has only cost £11 for the mat.

 

[Ravi]

If you are in Greece, one option is to park your boat over the Corinth Canal bridge. (A few warps to shore are helpful if you can't dry out.) Ask them to raise the bridge, (letting out any warps you have!), and give the hull a good scrub. (You will probably need a ladder.) Saves all that diving palaver.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I use a nylon pool broom on an extending pole like this.

https://www.google.co.za/search?q=p...v&ved=0CBsQsARqFQoTCJmcrvWzlcgCFQFvFAodvhYNDg

 

[Binman]

Have I missed something, cannot the cleaning be done from a dingy?

 

[Jamesuk]

Scuba gear for under the boat and a line from stern cleat to bow cleat with the tender works well for polishing.

Used to have fun with Baracuda in the BVI. Just wrap the metalic scraper with tape ;-)

 

[William_H]

I have always cleaned my hull in water using initially a cloth then scotch brite scrubbing pad then finally wet and dry sand paper. The intent being to remove as much a/f as possible by end of season. This depends of course on warm water (which of course makes the wed grow like crazy) and clean water.
I would be very wary of poluted marina water.
The trick I think is to not try to do too much on any one session. But do it frequently enough to only be emoving slime. But this can be hard on erodable a/f.
So I would suggest Perter that you go out to a nice clean water area and try doing it by hand. Clean water so you can see what you are doing and don't get sick. Do these outings often to make it fun. I find I get too tired trying to do too much at any ne session. enjoy olewill

 

[Neeves]

We have used the suction cups that are used to carry window glass, it allows you to give a good scrub. They also work for polishing the hull, from the dnghy (if you are at anchor). But if, as suggested you do it a little but often, then it should only need a wipe. So suction cups work if you need to leave for too long otherwise a wipe, I like the idea of carpet on a board. The worst affected area will be the prop. and it might be too far away from suction pads, on the gel coat, to give a good scrub. If you want the suction cups to last - make sure you rinse, dry and coat with WD40, or something.

Diving in a marina? I'd get away from the marina but as close as you can, anchor up somewhere sheltered and wipe down there.

Jonathan

 

[geem]

We have a suction handle and scuba gear. Boat draws over 7 feet so scuba gear is good and more relaxing. One 12litre tank does two scrubs. We have Coppercoat so we can scrub a lot with removing anti fouling

 

[Fantasie 19]

Have I missed something, cannot the cleaning be done from a dingy?

It's the way I do it, but I'm not sure how big the OP's boat is...on mine I sit in the dinghy and balance a long handled broom on the thwart, with the head resting against the antifoul - other hand holds on to the boat/toe rail, then just move the brush up and down in a sawing motion - thwart holds it against the hull - and move yourself along and hold yourself out from the boat with the other hand.... works for me but she's only a 20 footer...