[C320-list] Hull cleaning

[Joe M]

Thanks for that Jeff.

I use ablative also, yes it can make a mess.

I was thinking of buying one of those 1 liter scuba tanks on amazon that
you can pump up with a bike pump that comes with it for a few hundred
dollars. Supposed to be 15/20 minutes of breathing air, so I figure 10
minutes reality and should be enough to keep up with it once a month. I see
the diver out there going boat to boat and he is not spending much time
under the boats and my waterline was horrible this year. $165 a pop is an
expense I am looking to eliminate at this point. My waterline will never
look that bad again.

I am also going to spray my running gear with barnacle buster this year
instead of leaving it bare.

The weight velt is a great idea. Thanks.

Joe 2002 C320 hull #902

On Fri, Nov 5, 2021 at 2:22 PM Jeff Smith <svsailmates512 at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
>
>