Bottom Clean Diver Service, how often?

Stu Jackson · Jun 29, 2015

fstbttms might chime in here.

We do ours every three months. Some do it monthly. Racers do it right before races.

It depends on where you are, how bad the bottom growth is and how your bottom paint works in the waters you sit in.

Your boat, your choice, but 12 months is way too long. My diver recommends no less than three months. Some could say that's for his own livelihood, but my bottom knows better!!!

We use our boat weekly, and I do see a difference, even with new bottom paint.

It's a wise investment to do it regularly.

Brian D · Jun 29, 2015

It also depends on if the diving service needs money. The service I use will normally clean monthly, except during the summer months when they do it tri-weekly. Silly to do that. I am thinking of dropping them.

Oh... sorry. maybe monthly or every two months should be good. But yeah, depends on your area.

Stu Jackson · Jun 29, 2015

Brian D said:
It also depends on if the diving service needs money. The service I use will normally clean monthly, except during the summer months when they do it tri-weekly. Silly to do that. I am thinking of dropping them.

Brian, you're the client. Tell them to STOP!

Brian D · Jun 29, 2015

Sorry Stu, I laughing too hard to call them. LOL

Rick D · Jun 29, 2015

+1 on Three Months....

...that's what my dive service recommended. Then monthly again.

Benny17441 · Jun 29, 2015

Here in Florida is matter of weeks before the stuff starts growing, new bottom paint or not. After 12 months of growth a diver would have to work extra hard on that first cleaning. To keep him happy I would say consult him and reach an agreement on when would it be mutually beneficial to re-start the cleanings. I dropped my wallet at the dock once and called my diver to see if he could retrieve it. He came over and even though the water was murky he luckily found it. When I asked him to bill me for the dive he said that it was included in the service so I forced him to accept a tip. He is the bottom specialist and I consult him about the maintenance. I think he treats me fairly and I do the same for him.

fstbttms · Jul 1, 2015

davidpackwood said:
I am pulling my 1996 40.5 Hunter Legend out next week to have the bottom painted. When I put the boat back into the water how long can I leave it before I need to restart the bottom cleaning diver service??
last time the bottom was painted I waited 12 months before starting the diver cleaning service.
What would you recommend? the same 12 months wait? :neutral:

Why would you wait a year? Considering you keep your boat in Florida, it seems likely that the bottom would get pretty foul in that time. Assuming that is the case, not only are you going sigificantly impact the performance of your boat (both under sail and power) but your diver will likely have to clean the hull more aggressively than had you cleaned sooner. This of course, means removing paint and hastening the time when you have to haul and repaint.

Typically, you would perform the first cleaning 3 months after splashing and then resume your regular cleaning regimen.

fstbttms · Jul 1, 2015

Brian D said:
The service I use will normally clean monthly, except during the summer months when they do it tri-weekly. Silly to do that. I am thinking of dropping them.

Every 3 weeks in the summer and every 4 weeks in the winter is the standard cleaning regimen in the San Diego area and any dive service there that knows its business will require it. Why? Because letting it go longer than that means excessive fouling and more aggressive cleaning required. But hey- you're obviously a hull cleaning expert and of course know better than the professionals who actually do the work.

Brian D said:
It also depends on if the diving service needs money.

Nice attitude, chief. I'm sure your dive service loves having you as a client.

Sailm8 · Jul 1, 2015

A good professional dive service will start out with what they think is the best schedule for your area and adust it as they get to know your boats location. My diver started monthly here is SW Florida but quickly adjust to every other month in the winter and every month in the summer. He also replaces the zinc when needed and reports when it's time to paint the bottom again. You need to respect his professional opinion or else do it yourself. He is no different that anyone else you hire to work on your boat. Some are good and some are bad. I'm lucky and have a very dependable and honest diver.

I guess people have a bad attitude about divers because the job looks easy. It isn't or I would do it myself. (I have)