The Future Of In-water Hull Cleaning

[fstbttms]

This device is clearly not intended for the average boat owner, but the video is enjoyable, none-the-less:

https://youtu.be/9hAortJEG_w

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

This device is clearly not intended for the average boat owner, but the video is enjoyable, none-the-less:

https://youtu.be/9hAortJEG_w

Thanks for the memories, a looong time ago I was working as a diver and the company that I worked for had the contract to clean the hulls of the hydrofoils that were used on Sydney Harbour. A similar system only somewhat larger and hydraulic powered did the job with a minimum of fuss.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Thanks for the memories, a looong time ago I was working as a diver and the company that I worked for had the contract to clean the hulls of the hydrofoils that were used on Sydney Harbour. A similar system only somewhat larger and hydraulic powered did the job with a minimum of fuss.

Yes, hydraulic systems tend to be too much machine for cleaning pleasure craft.

[GoingWalkabout]

Great device. Thanks for sharing. I found this underwater drill that I'm sure you could add different kinds of pads too.

https://www.amazon.com/NEMO-POOL-COR...terproof+drill

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Going Walkabout

Great device. Thanks for sharing. I found this underwater drill that I'm sure you could add different kinds of pads too.

1.- Battery-powered drill motors operate at speeds that are far too high for hull cleaning.

2.- The Remora brushes (specifically designed for cleaning anti fouling paint) are mounted on impeller hubs which suck the device against the hull while it is in use. No effort required other than that needed to guide it around the hull.

3.- The Nemo drill motor you linked to is designed to be used in freshwater only.

[Panope]

What is the difference in time between using this machine and hand scrubbing?

Steve

[Thorne]

If you've got the money, here you go, this is the equipment in the video.


Pricing – Remora Marine

Only one extra thing I noticed, he was using some type of suction cup in his left hand to hold on to the boat.

I was wondering how he did that, till I saw the suction cup.


Only thing is, there are sea creatures that like to attach, crawl, slither, ect. when you clean a hull.


Had one get in my ear once. Ack.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Panope

What is the difference in time between using this machine and hand scrubbing?

Depends upon the state of fouling. But it's not uncommon to shave 10 or 15 minutes off a well-kept 40 foot sailboat versus doing it by hand.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Thorne

Only one extra thing I noticed, he was using some type of suction cup in his left hand to hold on to the boat.

I was wondering how he did that, till I saw the suction cup.

Purely a personal preference. As the Remora holds itself to the hull, a suction cup is not required and plenty of Remora users do not use one.

Originally Posted by Thorne

Only thing is, there are sea creatures that like to attach, crawl, slither, ect. when you clean a hull.
Had one get in my ear once. Ack.

You should never clean a hull without wearing a hood.

[antoha]

Fast bottoms, this suction cup - do you have a link to it or a name I could google? Mine's less handy, I think. Also, what brush in your opinion works best for hull cleaning by hand?
Thank you!
Anton


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[sagablu]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Purely a personal preference. As the Remora holds itself to the hull, a suction cup is not required and plenty of Remora users do not use one.




You should never clean a hull without wearing a hood.

Yes, I actually learned that lesson...the hard way.

[zeehag]

personally i donot like the overly zealous gelcoat and barrier coat removal perpetrated by brushes that used to be used on this hull. i much prefer the meximethod of hand scraping still thankfods being done here in backwards thank gods mexico.
there was damage done to this boat by the users of the pneumatic brushes. it is difficult to maintain even pressure on hull with the bulky and heavy machine and results were poor.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by antoha

Fast bottoms, this suction cup - do you have a link to it or a name I could google? Mine's less handy, I think.

I make my suction cups myself. A small, cheap plunger and a couple of bucks worth of PVC pipe fittings:

Originally Posted by antoha

Also, what brush in your opinion works best for hull cleaning by hand?

When I cleaned hulls manually, I never used a brush. 3M Doodlebug pads were the tool of choice:

[antoha]

thank you! that's what I use - was just hoping there's a brush with bristles similar to the one in your video but for manual application...

[Thorne]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

I make my suction cups myself. A small, cheap plunger and a couple of bucks worth of PVC pipe fittings:





When I cleaned hulls manually, I never used a brush. 3M Doodlebug pads were the tool of choice:

Ok, I only have one question.

To get the best suction do you pour the beer on the plunger or do you drink it, or both?