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Is
cleaning boats in the water safe for the environment?
According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 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.
How does in-water hull cleaning and anode replacement compare with having
my boat hauled out for these services? 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?
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Clean gently to avoid creating a plume or cloud of pain
in the water
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On boats painted with ablative paints, clean only
running gear and zinc anodes
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Refrain from hull cleaning for a minimum of 60 days
after hard anti-fouling paint has been applied
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Always use the least abrasive material that will
effectively clean the painted surfaces:
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Use soft sponges or pieces of carpet to clean marine
growth
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Use soft nylon or similar material on rotary brush
machines
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Use more rigorous cleaning pads only as needed to
remove hard growth
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Use stainless steel pads or brushes ONLY on unpainted
metal areas.
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Do not clean the entire hull if it is not dirty.
Just do the water line, running gear, and propeller
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Never sand, strip, or chip hull paint under water.
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If you have been hired to replace zinc anodes, bring
the old ones ashore for recycling. Look in the phone book under
"scrap" for dealers
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Provide customers with a copy of your standard
pollution prevention procedures.
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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