Question about bottom cleaning

[alwaysbusy3]

I just bought a 2001 Hunter 270 with an outboard and was curious as to how I need to clean the bottom. This is my first slipped boat so I have some learning to do. The boat had a bottom job with ablative paint in March so its not that old so the previous owner said. That being said, I can tell it has some algae growing on it because I can see it on the rudder. How do I go about cleaning this off the bottom of the boat? I know ablative is supposed to wear off but even after a couple weeks of heavy sailing it still has algae on the rudder so I figure its on the bottom as well.

Also how often should I do a bottom job on the boat? How often should it be cleaned?

Thank you for your time.

 

[inarathree]

Sail more

 

[Picflight]

I think it depends on what kind of water you are in. I have heard a monthly cleaning, annual bottom inspection should put you in the right maintenance schedule. And sail more!

 

[seadaddler]

depends

I have diver clean every 6 weeks and the diver will tell you
when you need new paint all paints not same and ask local dock mate what works best your area

 

[av8erdunn]

What's the going rate to have a diver clean the bottom and what's their process?

 

[Benny17441]

Here in Florida once a month. A bottom job with the new eco friendly paints will only last around three years.

 

[twodzusfittings]

I go into shallow water, drop my anchor, walk a line to the shore and tie it to a tree or rock. Then I use a suction cup to hold on to the side of the boat and with a long handled brush, systematically brush the bottom. Then with my hand I check my work. The keel is always the problem, well lets call it a challenge. I blindly feel with the brush and imagine the outline and again scrub. I do this twice a year in the warm weather periods. The waters in my area are never clear enough to see so scuba or snorkel is useless.

 

[seadaddler]

ares

All different prices for diver and I
pay 45 for my 36 sailboat

 

[fstbttms]

I just bought a 2001 Hunter 270 with an outboard and was curious as to how I need to clean the bottom. This is my first slipped boat so I have some learning to do. The boat had a bottom job with ablative paint in March so its not that old so the previous owner said. That being said, I can tell it has some algae growing on it because I can see it on the rudder. How do I go about cleaning this off the bottom of the boat? I know ablative is supposed to wear off but even after a couple weeks of heavy sailing it still has algae on the rudder so I figure its on the bottom as well.

Also how often should I do a bottom job on the boat? How often should it be cleaned?

Thank you for your time.

Hull cleaning prices and frequecy are completely dependant upon the condition of your anti fouling paint and the fouling growth rate on your sailing grounds. Both of these criteria can vary greatly from region to region. Local hull cleaners can advise you. If you want to DIY, have a look here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzawnxVPlL0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgPmXg1-o5g

 

[alwaysbusy3]

All different prices for diver and I
pay 45 for my 36 sailboat

Wow.... that's cheap. I figured it would a couple hundred or so just to bet them in the water.

 

[carboman]

$1.00 to $2.00 in Tampa or at least at my marina, Think the marina owner makes a little cash at $2.00 per foot. In warmer months, I do it my self at the slip or out on a nice sandy bottom island close by. Not bad at the slip but I get people asking me how much to do theirs, NOT happening. I use a Ace Hardware brand stainless steel 4" scrapper that I rounded off or de-sharpened on my grinder, then go over it with a stiff brush,