Is fouling lessened in the winter??

[Steve_Jones]

Just AF'd and put back in for the winter. This prompted a thought, should the build-up of nasties on the hull be less in the winter? Our fish pond at home needs much less filtration/chemicals in the winter to keep it clean as the reduced water temperature slows down/halts the growth of algae etc. If this also generally true of seawater? I guess the point of this is to decide when next to lift and scrub...

We're talking about the Solent here, no replies from guys in the Med asking 'what temperature reduction' will be welcome, it's bl***y freezing here!!!

 

[geoffatstanpit]

Fouling seems to go by sea temperature so it's least when it's coldest - Dec to May and greatest when its warm - June to Nov. Sea temp lags quite a bit from the seasons.

 

[andy_wilson]

Should be OK 'til June, possibly late June.

 

[bobgoode]

Many biological bits and thingys slow down their growth during the winter...so yes your boat will not accumulate as much foul until the water warms up.

 

[Allan]

My boat is in Cardiff bay, freshwater and maybe a different temperature. How do you think this will be affected?
Allan

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Do you regularly go into Saltwater?

If so your fouling should be OK, as the transfer between fresh and salt does the wildlife no good at all....

We reckon our laste marina was OK for fouling as the water was slightly brackish....

 

[Allan]

Yes, that's interesting, when I took her out recently he had some empty fresh water muscles and very little fouling. I think both are due to living in freshwater and spending some time in saltwater.
Allan

 

[vyv_cox]

Keeping a boat in fresh water is excellent for reducing or completely eliminating fouling. We always accumulated some black slime in a thin layer, looked nasty but was so thin that it didn't seem to affect sailing speed.

Fresh water does have an adverse effect on osmosis, though, so watch out for that.

 

[bilbobaggins]

[ QUOTE ]
We're talking about the Solent here

[/ QUOTE ]

Afraid it's swings and roundabouts.

Less underwater fouling, 'cos the algae and wee green stuff grows more slowly in reduced daylight.
On the other hand, your feathery friends spend more time roosting aboard and crapping on your decks.

"Life's a bitch......"

/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[longjohnsilver]

Not only temperature related but also less light in the winter, both make a difference.