[C320-list] Hull cleaning

[Jeff Smith]

Joe,

I need to check out the scuba tank. That might make my life easier.

Two other things:

1. I was told you can get something similar to Barnacle Barrier at your local hardware or paint store. Just look for spray Zinc. 
2. This is another reason I wanted to dive myself. I am not sure I trust my diver/diving service. I hauled this spring and put three (spray) coats of barnacle barrier on my prop and prop shaft. I launched 1 May and had very light growth until the first of September, but we do not motor that much. Maybe more frequent motoring would help even more. We did use the motor at least couple of times each month, from May through October.. I would say you might get 3 - 4 months of protection and then the barnacles will start to form again. The local commercial fishermen swear by petroleum jelly, which can be applied in water. Of course, they also say to mix cayenne pepper or black pepper in your bottom paint. I think commercial fishermen do not have issues because they run their boat each day. One large trawler owner in the yard told me the only true way to get good protection is to buy the painted on Barnacle Barrier. It is over $85 a quart from Defender, though, so I am unwilling to try it. The spray stuff gets scraped off when I remove the barnacles. Until I know it works and I won’t end up scraping it off, I am hesitant to through almost $100 away.

Good luck.

Jeff

> On Nov 5, 2021, at 3:02 PM, Joe M <smith.blazer.72 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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
>> 
>>