[C320-list] Hull cleaning

[Jeff Smith]

Joe,

I have taken to cleaning my running gear, and partially the bottom, myself. If you have done this, feel free to ignore as this may be repetitive. A few things to consider:

1. Free diving is tiring, especially in cold water. On my first attempt (needed because my prop was fouled and I was trying to get to the yard), the water was 49 degrees and I was in a full wet suit. It was still difficult to accomplish the mission.
2. You might consider wearing a weight belt (3 - 5lbs to maintain neutral buoyancy, on average, depending on how you are dressed when you go over the side). I have ordered one. I expend some energy/air just trying to get to the running gear and keep myself from constantly bumping the bottom of the boat. You may also get a few suction cup handles to help you move up and down the hull.
3. If you plan to do it repeatedly, you may want to buy a hookah. I am currently considering that route, as well. This would be more if it wanted to clean the bottom instead of just the running gear. They make some hookahs that you can operate while away from the dock. This would be handy for bottom cleaning and possibly snorkeling while at anchor. Disclosure - make sure you have the proper training to use compressed air under water. I don’t have it; but, it seems like I should say that. 
4. Tie a rope to the stairs so you do not get disoriented, especially if it is murky.
5. As has been said before, I am reluctant to do much in the way of cleaning my ablative paint. Any time I even rub against the bottom, I get paint on me. This is not an issue if you have hard paint.
6. I am not sure where you dive but I have been told to be wary of stray current. I always unplug all the surrounding boats, but especially mine, if I am not wearing a wetsuit. 
7. Sorry, I can’t provide information on the one thing about which you actually asked. It is clear enough, though the Chesapeake is hardly clear, for me to see with a mask.

Jeff

> On Nov 4, 2021, at 2:54 PM, Joe M <smith.blazer.72 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Looking to cut costs and prepare for trying to keep our boat into
> retirement years, I want to do my own hull cleaning on the mooring.
> 
> Bottom paint is $1,000, planning on having it painted with ablative every
> other year here in the northeast. The monthly diver is another $1,000 per
> season, so I want to drop that expense.
> 
> I have snorkel gear. My present issue is seeing down there. I read some
> amazon reviews and tried a flashlight but couldn’t see adequately at all. I
> need something that would actually be useful down there. Any
> recommendations?
> 
> Joe 2002 C320 # 902