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In-Water Boat Maintenance F.A.Q.
According to the Maryland Department of the Environment's Maryland Clean Marina Initiative, the answer is YES . . . as long as Best Management Practices for Divers are followed. KB Diver Services adheres to all of the Clean Marina protocols and when we feel it is unsafe to clean a vessel in the water, we refer the boat for haul out services. Why is underwater hull cleaning important? This information was taken from a study conducted by the United States Navy. Throughout the time a vessel is in the water it is continually subject to the detrimental effects of both marine fouling and stray electrical current. The US Navy conducted well documented studies showing that a smooth clean hull is essential to assuring optimal performance and maximum fuel economy. Fuel economy is undoubtedly one of the major reasons for hull upkeep. Increased fuel consumption results from the frictional resistance of marine growth, as well as the added weight of the growth itself. Even a lightly fouled vessel can result in a 15% increase in fuel costs. In addition, the adverse effects of marine fouling on fuel consumption magnify as speed increases. In addition to higher fuel costs, an increase in rpm's to attain speed in spite of fouling creates additional strain on the engine, demanding that it work harder. Generally this reduces the operational life of the engine and other moving parts, and can lead to more frequent engine and mechanical repair. How often must I change my anodes (zincs)? Generally speaking, your anodes should be changed every six months if your boat is being kept in the Baltimore Harbor. Due to the amount of stray electrical current, smaller zincs should be changed every three months, while some larger zincs may last up to a year. In other parts of the Bay and tributaries, anodes may last longer. The fresh water of the Potomac River Basin has shown zincs still intact after two years. It is important to remember that zincs are far cheaper to replace than props, shafts, rudders, trim tabs, and engines. For this reason we recommend replacement every six to twelve months regardless of where our vessel is being kept. It is also important to familiarize yourself with your vessel and her components. Know where the zincs are on your boat and know the sizes. You should always keep an extra set on board in case you find yourself somewhere where they are unavailable. In most cases, in-water service is less expensive and less hassle. You do not have to make haul out arrangements and you don't have to take a day of your time to move your boat to a haul out facility, wait for completion, then take your boat back to your slip. Most haul out facilities charge between $4 to $14 per foot for a short haul power wash. These prices do not usually include anode changes and full inspections. In addition, power washing is not the best option for cleaning the bottom of your boat. Depending upon the type of paint you have used, high power pressure washers remove much of your paint protection. We believe that hand washing is a much better option and it extends the life of your bottom paint. A fully insured dive service company, like us, in the Chesapeake Bay region is a better and less expensive option. When DO I need to have my boat hauled out? Generally speaking, a properly painted and maintained boat should be hauled out once every two years for a new coat of paint. As a rule, we recommend boats for haul out when we find signs the pain is failing, when we find structural damage to the hull or running gear, and when the growth on the vessel is so substantial that cleaning in the water will be detrimental to the environment. We offer video services for owners who would like to see the bottom before taking the boat for haul out. What are the Maryland Clean Water Initiative's Best Management Practices for Divers?
Where can I find more information on DNR recommendations?
To find more information on DNR recommendations for Marina Operators, Owners, and Divers, please visit the DNR website at www.dnr.state.md.us
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