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fstbttms · 29-02-2012, 14:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

While I can appreciate your knowledge of bottom cleaning, I do let mine go 4-6 months without cleaning. In the past I have cleaned it and other times had a diver go down. Your experience might warrant a cleaning every month but mine doesn't.

Where goes your boat live and what anti fouling pàint are you using?

Celestialsailor · 29-02-2012, 14:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Where goes your boat live and what anti fouling pàint are you using?

I'm actually generalizing from my times in San Leandro 2004-2007, Santa Cruz 1990-1995 and Moss Landing1996-2000, Halfmoon Bay 1986-1990. I was using Petitt Trinadad. Maybe I let it go more that I should. Occasionally had to use a plastic scrapper but it cleaned up quickly.

fstbttms · 29-02-2012, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

I'm actually generalizing from my times in San Leandro 2004-2007, Santa Cruz 1990-1995 and Moss Landing1996-2000, Halfmoon Bay 1986-1990. I was using Petitt Trinadad. Maybe I let it go more that I should. Occasionally had to use a plastic scrapper but it cleaned up quickly.

Anytime you have let the hull get foul enough that a piece of carpet or white scrub pad won't easily clean the bottom, you have waited too long. Using anything more (plastic scraper included) is going to remove paint unnecessarily, shortening your expensive anti fouling paint's lifespan. Further, with your hull foul that much of the time you will reduce the boat's performance both under power and sail and increase fuel consumption and carbon emissions. While you may feel that your bottom does not need to be cleaned but every 4-6 months, the reality is that it is actually costing you money and robbing you of performance.

But hey, it's your dime.

justwaiting · 29-02-2012, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Anytime you have let the hull get foul enough that a piece of carpet or white scrub pad won't easily clean the bottom, you have waited too long. Using anything more (plastic scraper included) is going to remove paint unnecessarily, shortening your expensive anti fouling paint's lifespan. Further, with your hull foul that much of the time you will reduce the boat's performance both under power and sail and increase fuel consumption and carbon emissions. While you may feel that your bottom does not need to be cleaned but every 4-6 months, the reality is that it is actually costing you money and robbing you of performance.

But hey, it's your dime.

There is a difference between stating "Anytime you have let the hull get foul enough that a piece of carpet or white scrub pad won't easily clean the bottom, you have waited too long" and saying it should be done ever month. There are so many variables - For example a boat in any estuary in NSW at this time will need to be look at very shortly because of flooding down rivers causing oysters and other shell fish to spawn.

fstbttms · 29-02-2012, 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by justwaiting

There is a difference between stating "Anytime you have let the hull get foul enough that a piece of carpet or white scrub pad won't easily clean the bottom, you have waited too long" and saying it should be done ever month. There are so many variables - For example a boat in any estuary in NSW at this time will need to be look at very shortly because of flooding down rivers causing oysters and other shell fish to spawn.

I never said every boat should be done monthly. Optimal cleaning frequency is largely dependent on local fouling conditions. In Southern California this means cleaning every 3-4 weeks. In Northern California, 8 weeks works best. In NSW it may different. The point is, whatever your fouling conditions, whatever anti fouling paint you use, frequent, gentle cleanings are better for the boat, better for the environment and better for your pocketbook than less frequent, more abrasive cleanings.

Celestialsailor · 29-02-2012, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Anytime you have let the hull get foul enough that a piece of carpet or white scrub pad won't easily clean the bottom, you have waited too long. Using anything more (plastic scraper included) is going to remove paint unnecessarily, shortening your expensive anti fouling paint's lifespan. Further, with your hull foul that much of the time you will reduce the boat's performance both under power and sail and increase fuel consumption and carbon emissions. While you may feel that your bottom does not need to be cleaned but every 4-6 months, the reality is that it is actually costing you money and robbing you of performance.

But hey, it's your dime.

While all that sounds good in theory, it seem a bit mute since you say 2-3 years between bottom jobs and using a plastic scraper 4-6 times. When I haul, I never see where I've scrapped through. Let me clarify...If my bottom looks to need more attention as the paint ages, I do clean the bottom sooner. But it is an indicator I need to haul and re-paint.

familycruisers · 29-02-2012, 18:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Why don't you let your bottom go for two or three months? Be sure to let us know how that worked out for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstbttms

So what's your point? You said that you had your bottom cleaned once and now you need new paint. I don't get it. Paint longevity is going to determined in large part by the frequency of cleaning. But regardless of that, 2-3 years is all you can expect. That's just the nature of the beast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstbttms

. Using anything more (plastic scraper included) is going to remove paint unnecessarily, shortening your expensive anti fouling paint's lifespan.
But hey, it's your dime.

You sure scraping a couple barnacles shortened it to a greater extent than the 3-4 "recommended" maintenance scrubs?

Man dude, always with the condescending, sarcastic remarks. Always on the bottom topics.
As a commercial member you should try to keep your responces professional, non confrontational, and especially courteous. Most forums limit this kind of behavior from sponsors.