boatmaintenanceservices

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How Do You Repair and Protect the Bottom of Your Boat?

The bottom of your boat is constantly exposed to harsh elements, from saltwater and marine life to debris and impacts. Over time, this exposure can cause wear and tear, leading to damage such as cracks, chips, and hull degradation. Repairing and protecting the bottom of your boat is essential not only for its longevity but also for its performance and safety on the water. Here’s a guide to help you understand how to repair and protect your boat’s hull to keep it in top condition.

1. Inspect the Hull Regularly

The first step in maintaining the bottom of your boat is regular inspection. A thorough check will help you catch small issues before they become major problems. Look for:

Scrapes, gouges, or deep scratches.

Cracks, especially around seams and joints.

Faded or peeling paint or gel coat.

Growth of marine life (barnacles, algae, etc.).

Any signs of corrosion (especially on metal parts like trim tabs or outdrives).

After inspecting, make a note of any areas that require attention and prioritize repairs based on severity.

2. Clean the Bottom of Your Boat

Before you can repair or protect the hull, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly. Regular cleaning will remove dirt, salt buildup, and marine growth that can damage the bottom over time. Use a marine-grade cleaner that is safe for your boat’s material (fiberglass, aluminum, or wood) to scrub the hull. If you notice barnacles or other hard growths, use a scraper to gently remove them. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface.

For boats that are kept in saltwater, cleaning the hull after each outing will help prevent the buildup of corrosive salt deposits.

3. Repairing Damage to the Hull

If you find cracks, chips, or gouges in the hull, timely repair is crucial to prevent further damage. Here's how to handle common repairs:

Minor Scratches and Chips:

For small cosmetic damage, you can typically use a boat-specific gel coat repair kit. Clean the area first, then apply the gel coat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sand it smooth once it dries and buff it to restore the shine.

Cracks or Larger Gouges:

For deeper cracks or gouges that expose the fiberglass beneath the surface, you will need a more substantial repair. First, clean the damaged area and allow it to dry thoroughly. For fiberglass boats, mix a fiberglass resin and hardener, apply it to the crack or gouge, and then smooth it out with a putty knife. Once it has cured, sand the surface smooth and apply a layer of gel coat to match the surrounding hull. If you’re not familiar with fiberglass repair, it might be wise to hire a professional for larger damage.

Hull Leaks:

If the boat has developed a leak, it’s crucial to pinpoint its source and repair it immediately. Leaks in the bottom of the hull can be caused by damaged fiberglass, corroded seams, or failing seals. Small leaks can be patched with marine sealant or epoxy resin, but more severe damage may require professional repair or re-lamination.

4. Applying Bottom Paint for Protection

To protect the hull from future damage and deterioration, applying bottom paint is a key step. Bottom paint helps prevent the growth of marine organisms like algae and barnacles, which can damage the hull and reduce performance. It also creates a protective barrier against the harsh elements of the water.

Steps to Apply Bottom Paint:

Clean the hull thoroughly: Before applying bottom paint, ensure the hull is free of dirt, oil, or any old paint.

Sand the surface: Lightly sand the hull to create a rough surface for better paint adhesion.

Choose the right type of bottom paint: There are different types of bottom paint, including antifouling paints that prevent marine growth and hard paints for boats that are frequently in dry dock. Make sure to select the appropriate paint based on the type of boat, your location, and how often you use your boat.

Apply paint in layers: Use a roller or brush to apply the first coat of paint. Allow it to dry, and then apply a second coat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and the number of coats needed.

5. Protecting Against Corrosion

Corrosion, especially in metal components of the boat like the propeller, drive shaft, and trim tabs, is a common issue for boats in saltwater environments. Regularly inspect metal parts for signs of rust or corrosion and take steps to prevent it.

Use corrosion inhibitors: Apply marine corrosion inhibitors to metal parts, especially those below the waterline. These products help protect against saltwater exposure.

Consider sacrificial anodes: Install sacrificial anodes (zinc or aluminum) on the boat’s metal components. These anodes corrode instead of your boat’s more valuable metal parts, protecting them from rust and degradation.

Regular cleaning and maintenance: Rinse metal parts with fresh water after every use to remove salt deposits that can accelerate corrosion.

6. Maintain Your Boat’s Trailer and Lift

If you use a trailer or lift system to transport your boat, don’t forget to maintain the equipment that keeps your boat above water when it’s not in use. Check the trailer for any rust, wear on the rollers, or faulty brakes. Inspect the lift system for signs of wear or damage and make necessary repairs before putting the boat back in the water.

7. Consider Professional Help for Complex Issues

While many boat owners can handle basic cleaning, maintenance, and small repairs, some hull issues may require professional expertise. If you’re dealing with extensive damage, complex repairs, or if you simply want peace of mind, hiring a professional boat repair technician can ensure the job is done correctly.

Conclusion Proper care and maintenance of the bottom of your boat are essential to keeping it in good condition and maximizing its lifespan. Regular inspections, cleaning, and repairs will protect the hull from wear, marine growth, and environmental damage. By applying bottom paint, addressing minor repairs promptly, and taking steps to prevent corrosion, you can enjoy a safe and smooth ride for years to come. Whether you’re handling repairs yourself or enlisting the help of a professional, taking the time to care for your boat’s bottom is an investment in its long-term performance and durability.

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Why Zinc Replacement is Important in a Boat?

Zinc replacement on a boat is crucial because zinc anodes, also known as sacrificial anodes, protect metal components of the boat from corrosion through a process called cathodic protection. Here's why replacing zinc anodes is important:

1. Prevent Galvanic Corrosion

Boats, especially those with metal parts like propellers, shafts, and hulls (if made of aluminum or steel), are exposed to saltwater, which is highly conductive. When dissimilar metals are in contact with saltwater, a galvanic reaction occurs, where the more reactive metal (usually zinc in this case) corrodes instead of the boat's important metal components. Zinc is chosen because it has a lower electrical potential than other metals used in boats.

2. Sacrificial Protection

Zinc anodes "sacrifice" themselves by corroding faster than the boat's other metals, preventing damage to key components such as:

Propellers

Rudders

Keels

Metal hull fittings

Once the zinc anodes are corroded and worn out, they can no longer protect the boat, leaving it vulnerable to damage. Therefore, regular inspection and replacement are critical.

3. Prolongs Equipment Lifespan

By replacing zinc anodes when needed, the life of the boat’s metal parts is extended. This prevents expensive repairs and ensures that important systems, such as the engine cooling system (which may have metal parts exposed to water), are not damaged by corrosion.

4. Maintains Safety and Performance

Without proper protection, galvanic corrosion can weaken or damage essential parts of the boat, compromising the vessel's structural integrity and performance. Regularly replacing the zinc anodes ensures that the boat remains safe and functional.

5. Cost-Effective Maintenance

Zinc anodes are inexpensive compared to the potential cost of repairs for corroded parts. Replacing them periodically is a simple, cost-effective measure to avoid more costly repairs down the line.

In summary, zinc anodes protect critical metal parts of a boat from galvanic corrosion, and replacing them regularly ensures that this protection remains effective.

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How to Replace Zinc in Boats?

Replacing zinc anodes in boats is crucial to prevent corrosion of metal components exposed to water. These sacrificial anodes, typically made of zinc, deteriorate over time, protecting the boat's more critical parts. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to replace zinc anodes in boats.

1. Gather Necessary Tools and Supplies: Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies, including replacement zinc anodes, a wrench or socket set, a wire brush, and marine-grade anti-corrosion grease.

2. Inspect Existing Anodes: Locate all the zinc anodes on your boat. Common places include the hull, propeller shaft, and rudder. Carefully inspect each anode for wear. Anodes that are more than 50% deteriorated should be replaced.

3. Remove the Old Anodes: Use a wrench or socket set to remove the bolts securing the old anodes. If they are heavily corroded, you may need to apply some penetrating oil to loosen them. Be cautious not to damage the surrounding metal surfaces during this process.

4. Clean the Surface: Once the old anodes are removed, clean the attachment points with a wire brush. Removing any corrosion or marine growth ensures a good electrical connection for the new anodes.

5. Install New Anodes: Position the new zinc anodes in place and secure them with bolts. Tighten the bolts securely but avoid over-tightening, which can damage the anodes or mounting hardware. Applying marine-grade anti-corrosion grease to the bolts can help prevent future seizing.

6. Check Electrical Connections: Ensure that the anodes are making good contact with the metal surfaces they are protecting. Poor contact can render the anodes ineffective, leaving your boat vulnerable to corrosion.

7. Regular Maintenance: Regularly check the condition of your zinc anodes, especially during the boating season. Replace them as needed to ensure continuous protection. Keep a log of when anodes are replaced to track their lifespan and anticipate future replacements.

Replacing zinc anodes is a relatively simple but essential maintenance task. By following these steps, you can protect your boat from costly corrosion damage, ensuring it remains in good condition for years to come. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your boat but also enhances its performance and safety on the water.

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Boat Hull Cleaning - Tools and Equipment Needed

If you are looking to clean the hull of your boat, you might want to consider a professional service or take it into your own hands. Cleaning your hull can help to keep your boat running at peak efficiency, and can result in savings of up to 20% on fuel. However, it isn't always the most convenient option. To make the process more efficient, you need the right tools.

The most obvious hull cleaning tool is a scraper. This allows you to clean the hull while the boat is still in the water, and the process can be more efficient. There are two options for scrapers: a scraper with a float, or a scraper that can be used while sitting on the dinghy.

Another hull cleaning tool is the  people. This method uses a rotary brush to remove dirt. You can also use this tool to clean your rudder and prop shafts. It is effective, but you need to get into the water to operate it.

A big hull cleaning machine, such as the BIGWASH, is another option. It floats in the water, and uses high pressure jets to blast away dirt. It is available in three sizes. These machines are a bit expensive, but are well worth the investment.

Boat hull cleaning doesn't have to be a hassle. You can do it on your own, or you can hire a local diving center to do it for you. You'll need to consider your boat's type and size, and what the best way to clean your hull is.

While most people know they need to scrub their hull, the best method may vary. For instance, a chamois can do the job, but it won't work for every boat. That said, a quality squeegee can wipe off water spots from the sides of your boat. And a good wax sealer can create a protective barrier against harsh elements.

You might also be interested in a systeco cleaning machine. This machine uses a unique buoyant cleaning head, and is designed to clean your underwater hull without the use of chemicals. Systeco cleaning machines are easy to use, compact, and gentle on your hull. They are also environmentally friendly.

Other hull cleaning equipment includes underwater metal treatments, such as zincs, and a marine citrus cleaner and degreaser. While these options aren't the cheapest, they are the most useful, and they'll keep your hull looking great.

If you do decide to perform your own hull cleaning, you'll need a lot of different supplies. The proper tool will make the process go more smoothly, and you should avoid using brushes that will damage the finish. In addition, you'll need to use a quality stain remover. Using a high-quality squeegee will also ensure you don't track dirt from the deck to the hull.

Finally, you should consider a variety of options when it comes to choosing the right hull cleaning machine. This will ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

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Detailed view on Underwater Hull Cleaning and its process

Not long ago, I was talking to a professional diver and he explained that he and his buddies might occasionally go down to the local marina to clean the bottom of boats, mostly for beer money if you will; or rather that was the joke in the conversation. After all, a professional diver makes decent money and hardly needs any more time in the water or work such as hull cleaning of the proverbial rich person's yacht you see. Nevertheless, we discussed the difficulty in cleaning hulls in the water.

In case you are not aware of the challenges, let me explain. The first challenge is that you can't get any leverage as you are brushing on the hull to remove the bio foul or perhaps you are scraping off some barnacles. Every time you go to put pressure on the brush upon the hull, you end up moving in the water rather than moving the brush forward, this makes things extremely slow, tedious, and you aren't cleaning anything in the process.

Another challenge is that there is some water flow in some harbors, especially those in the ocean. When the tide is coming in or going out it is hard keeping yourself in place while you are working, this is on top of the previous challenge I mentioned just a moment ago. And if this weren't enough, you also have to worry about the poor visibility, sometimes the water is murky and you can't see what you are doing, therefore you need special lighting, which adds another challenge, and some cost to your operation.

Imagine yourself cleaning a sailboat, and you are working on the keel, if you are wearing scuba gear, you don't want to scratch anything, and it is hard to clean when you're moving around. It's very easy to get moved by the tide, and often hard to see what you're doing, the deeper you go, often the less light available. Of course, there are always some good circumstances and some bad, but sometimes you get into a difficult situation would you can't clean the boat fast enough to work around the tide, or without depleting your scuba tanks.

Before you think you are going to clean the hull of your boat while it is still in the water, you need to know what you're up against, because if you aren't up against something, you're liable to keep pushing yourself out of position, and you're not going to clean anything very quickly. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think about it.

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How to keep your boat bottom clean? – Tips and Services

Boats and Yachts can exist in different environments. You can have Fresh or Salt Water or can be in Cold or Warm water and even in brackish water. But one thing is for sure, if you have your Yacht or Boat in Salt Water, you need to make sure your bottom is Painted in short boat bottom is maintained properly for better performance.

What kind of paint will depend on the usage? There are a lot of Paint Manufacturers out there so you have a large number of choices to make. If you are a heavy user of your boat, you will want an Ablative paint. That is a softer paint that comes off as the boat is running through the water. It holds the material that fends off barnacles in the paint and as it wears off, you always have fresh material. Also, when you redo it, you do not need to sand the bottom paint off before re-applying. You can just wipe it down and put the new coat on.

With hard-coat paint, the material leaches out of the paint, leaving the paint with no material in it to fend off those crustaceans that love to attach to the bottoms of boats. So when you paint the bottom, you need to sand it down first and then add the fresh paint. Using hard coat paint can make your bottom look better longer, but it may also be ineffective faster. Because redoing can be difficult in this case. Anything else removes the paint quickly and you could end up needing a bottom job in 6 months instead of 16 months.

Be sure also to paint the running gear and props. It needs specialized paint just for running gear and metal underwater gear. Specialized paint, just for those areas, can help you save money because they are very Slick paints. They cause Props and other running gear to slide through the water faster, thus reducing friction and saving you Fuel, and allowing for more speed. That savings will be dependent on how you run your boat.

Be sure to also check your zincs. Make sure they are in good condition. If they deteriorate more than 50%, have them changed. If you are changing them frequently, then you need to have a specialist come out and check the water around your boat for electricity. You could have random voltage running through the water causing electrolysis to eat up the zinc, and your other metal objects like your Shaft, Prop, and Thru Hulls and into your engine room. And if your zincs do not wear down, you need to check to see if they are bonded to the interior ground of the boat. Zincs are meant to wear down, if they do not, there is something wrong.

Keep your bottom paint in good condition and you will not only protect the bottom of your boat, but you will also find it easier to keep clean and running smoothly through the water. Consult your boatyard or boat bottom cleaning experts for any better help and service for your boat.

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Why You Should Hire Professionals for Hull Cleaning

Hull cleaning is an important part of the overall maintenance of your vessel and also for its better performance. Cleaning of the hull is a process of fouling removal with the help of different types of underwater cleaning equipment. But this process should be ideally carried out by trained persons. It is common knowledge that fouling on the hull of a ship can increase hull friction and slow down your vessel. This can make your vessel slow and difficult to maneuver. So it is best to do hull cleaning for your vessel in a regular manner.

Early years, most ships had to be brought to the dry dock to clean their hull. But nowadays, with trained divers and the underwater maintenance service company available, it's possible to clean the hull while the boat is anchored in the water. As compared to the former method, hull cleaning underwater helps save a lot of money, time, and effort.

However, boat bottom cleaning is a process that needs to be undertaken with due care for the marine flora and fauna. The use of harmful chemicals can cause irreparable damage to marine life and the quality of water. But if you choose a reputed dive services provider for cleaning your ship's hull, this problem shouldn't arise.

To keep your marine vessel's bottom clean through the year, it's important to get hull cleaning done at regular intervals. Otherwise, the hull tends to develop a layer of bio-film (slime) as well as other heavy attaching organisms. All this is directly related to increased fuel costs and wear and strain on the engines. That is why underwater cleaning should be carried out as a routine by boat owners. That’s where underwater maintenance contractors or professional diver service comes into the help.

There is a lot of advantages of hiring professional dive services for your boat bottom cleaning. Like a professionally trained team of divers inspects your boat as they clean it. These divers are trained in corrosion control and problem detection relating to other aspects of your ship. They inspect various elements and give you an idea about other areas where your ship might need attention.

These divers are trained in corrosion control and problem detection relating to other aspects of your ship. They inspect various elements and give you an idea about other areas where your ship might need attention. Boat bottom cleaning is a tricky situation as one has to deal with dirty water and marine pollutants. Hence it's best to leave this task to the experts. Underwater Hull Cleaning A major cost of operating a ship is the cost of fuel. A professional firm will use only the best materials for underwater hull cleaning. This will ensure that your expensive hull paint coat does not get unnecessary abrasion.n

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Merits and Demerits of using commercial diving full face masks

Commercial diving is the only way to provide best underwater services for all types of offshore yacht needs. Certified commercial divers are very much needed in various fields like underwater welding, boat repairs and other diving operations. The divers can be also used for underwater boat bottom cleaning and to find the valuables which were missed in the water body. Underwater propeller repairs and new propeller installation can also be done with the help of these commercial divers. The following points will give you knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of using the commercial diving full face masks.

Commercial Diving Masks:

Commercial diving full face masks are the important one for every diver while diving under the ocean. From the name you can understand that full face masks will cover your whole face. Some normal masks will cover up only your eyes and nose. While dealing with these normal masks you have to use a separate regulator. But in commercial diving full face masks there is no need for a separate regulator. The full face masks free ups the diver for talking by eliminating the old idea of holding the regulator in the mouth.

Advantages of using Commercial diving full face masks:

The divers can communicate with one another this will be the major advantage of using the full face masks. Not only the diver can communicate with another diver, they can communicate to anyone who is present in the same channel. While dealing with search or recovery missions the full face masks are very much useful to do communication with the people where they lost their precious things.

Mainly, there will be no risk of the regulator failure during the dive. Some divers with dental and jaw problems only prefer these face masks as there is no need for holding the regulator continuously in the mouth. The full face masks will allow the divers to see almost 180 degree vision which is a good vision when compared with normal dive mask.

Disadvantages of using full face masks:

When you get the water into the full face water masks it is very much harder to clear it. This situation will arise when we deal with large amount of flood. Some breathing issues will be raised when more amount of water get into the masks. Commercial diving full face masks are very hard to put correctly as it has several straps. These masks are little bit expensive as the price ranges will be $600 to $1000.

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Importance of Zinc replacement during dive service

Dive service is the only way to maintain all types of boats to work in an efficient way. The maintenance of the boat is a mandatory one whenever you prefer a long trip. Different factors have to be checked during a dive service. The major factors include underwater propeller maintenance, boat bottom cleaning and zinc replacement. Zinc plays a very important role in the movement of the boat. For the effective absorption of electric current and to eliminate electrolysis, zinc is placed in the underwater parts of the boat. Without proper maintenance, it will make you to spend more amount of money on the repair works.

Boat Zincs:

In metal hull fittings, prop shaft, prop in the boat meets corrosion after a period of time. This corrosion arises due to small electric currents which eliminate the atoms present in the metal. When these atoms get eliminated by the cathode it will start destroying the boat parts. When you implement an anode in the boat bottom, the cathode will corrode the anode. It will make your boat parts safe without any type of damage.

Maintaining Boat Zinc:

Boat zinc replacement process will vary depending upon the place. Based upon the size of the vessel, the number of zinc levels will vary. For small type of boats two or three zinc can be used. Larger type of boat requires nearly five number of zinc. Zinc replacement has to be done when the weight of the zinc increases to half of its original weight. When carbonate deposit occurs, it shows the anode is not performing its regular work and it shows that replacement time has arrived for it. There is no need for regular replacement until any increase in the weight and performance of the boat is reduced.

Anode Placement:

Electrical test meter is the device which is used for fitting up anode with the help of long leads. During anode placement you have to be careful with prop shaft anode and the hull anode. You have to maintain a zero resistance. In this manner you can check all types of anodes. With the help of dive service professionals you can make zinc replacement in an effective way. With the help of experienced professionals you can also get known about other problems in the boat and you can overcome all type of problems in your vessel.

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Hire Professional Contractors for Boat Bottom Cleaning Service

Boat bottom cleaning is an important part of the service in maintaining the vessel. It is a process of removing strains from the boat by using underwater cleaning equipment. This process is done by well-trained workers. A boat owner must know that operating boat with damages will slow down the speed and increase the friction rate.

Why Boat Bottom Cleaning is Necessary?

To keep your boat bottom clean throughout the year, it is important to get boat bottom cleaning at regular intervals. If not, slime layers will form with other heavy attaching organisms in the boat bottom. This will lead to an increase in the fuel consumption rate and damages to the engines. For these reasons, the boat owners will clean their boats at regular intervals.

Where to Clean the Boat?

In the early days, the boat had to be brought back to any of the dry dock areas to clean the boat bottom. But now, it is possible to clean a boat directly at the place where it is damaged. The well-trained divers are there to clean the boat when it is anchored in the water. This method saves a lot of time, money and effort. But, it is important to save the flora and fauna living in the water. Using harmful chemical substances in the water affects the marine life and quality of water. Whenever a boat bottom cleaning is required, hire a reputed dive service provider. These kinds of problems cannot arise with those dive service providers.

Advantages of Hiring Dive Service Providers

Hiring professional service providers will give you a lot of advantages. They inspect all parts of the boat when they clean it. The divers are well-trained to detect problems in many aspects of your ship and corrosion control. They will inspect your boat and give valuable suggestion on what your ship needs for further improvements. Boat bottom cleaning is one of the dangerous jobs in the world and it is best done by experts. The major cost for an underwater boat bottom cleaning is the fuel cost. A professional company will use only the quality materials for boat bottom cleaning. These quality materials guarantee that the paint coat in boat bottom does not get unwanted scratches.

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Tips for Boat cleaning and underwater boat maintenance

Boating can be said as the relaxing and pleasure filled activity. Maintaining your boat is one of the important factors to avoid problems. Regular maintenance will help you avoid big issues from occurring in your boat. It also ensures safe driving in the sea. Now, let discuss few tips on boat maintenance.

Wash the boat frequently

A boat is prone to capture dirt from the water. When this not cleared, it will lead to drastic results such as reduced boat speed, more consumption of fuel, and in total, the performance of the boat will be reduced. Therefore, as soon as you find them, try to clean them. When delayed for a very long time, it will end up spending more money on your boat and your hull gets completely affected due to the dirt.  

Change the oil

Oil filters in the boat should be changed and refilled frequently as we do in other vehicles like as a car. If you have any clarification, read through the manual and do the process accordingly.  

Check the propellers

Propellers are one of the important parts in your boat. They are very important that even a simple issue can lead to damaging of your engine sometimes. So, to be on the safer side, check your propellers regularly. Even if you find a small issue, don’t postpone it, repair it immediately. A propeller can get damaged due to many reasons like as blockages, fishing wire, and more.

Check the hull

Being the main body of the boat, the hull should be checked regularly. Hulls are prone to water leaks, scratches, dents and few more. Inspect the damages and do the necessary repairing.

Check the battery

Batteries are one of the biggest problems for the owners. There are many battery maintenance methods and you should follow them for avoiding inconvenience.  Charge the battery at proper intervals; check the connections in the battery.

Service the engine

When coming to the engine, you should be very much cautious. The engine should be serviced at least once a year. For getting more details about the engine, go through the manufacture guidelines. Depending on that make the necessary step.

Inspect the water pump

For water pumps, the maintenance differs based on which place you are using your boat. If you are using it in a shallow place, then you should change it very often. In regular areas means, you can consider changing it once a year.

When performing boat repair or underwater maintenance, if the problem is simple and you are clear with the solution, you can do the repairing by yourself. If you are not confident about the issue, it is advisable to get the help of a professional. Sometimes, small mistakes can lead to undesirable results.

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Checking Boat Zincs during Dive Service

A proper dive service can help you to maintain your boat in an efficient manner. Maintenance of the boat is said to be a necessary one since only then you can have a pleasant riding experience. There are many things to be notified during dive service. Few of the aspects include, boat bottom cleaning, propellant repair, zinc replacement and more. Zinc is said to play an essential role in the running of the boat. To absorb the electrical current which produces electrolysis, the zincs are placed in the underwater locations of the boat. When not maintained in a proper way, it may cause many problems leading you to spend an excessive amount of money.

Working of Boat Zincs

Corrosion may occur in the metal hull fittings, prop shaft, and in propeller due to the removal of atoms due to small electric currents. The atoms get removed by a cathode. Therefore, you parts get destroyed slowly. When you have an anode which is zinc the cathode corrodes the anode and your boat parts remain safe without any damage.

Checking Boat Zincs

The replacement of the boat zincs depends on the place. Based on the size of the boat, the number of zincs varies. For smaller boats it may require a maximum of two and sometimes even three. Obliviously for a larger boat, it requires a higher number such as five or more. The time of replacement is when their weight increases to half of the original weight. When you find a carbonate deposit or when it is fouled, you can be sure that the anode is not performing its work and you need to replace it. There is no need for you to replace them regularly unless or until you see the increase in the weight and when the performance of the boat is reduced.

Anode Fitting

With the help of the electrical test meter you can test the anode fitting by connecting with a long lead. Then, you should look for the connection between prop shaft anode and the hull anode. You must have a zero resistance. In this manner you can check for all the anodes. By having skilled dive service professionals, you can perform the zinc replacement in an efficient manner. With their experience, they will tell you whether you really need a zinc replacement. Apart from this, they will also check for other problems in the boat which we may not be able to notice.

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Tips for Improving Performance of Boat Propeller

Most of the boaters face a common problem, which is failure of propeller. Choosing the right propellers can greatly help you improve the performance of your boat. It is advisable for the boaters to keep a spare of propellers in need of emergencies, if a boat stops at the middle of the sea. There are different types of propellers available in markets. Get best assistance from professional boat Companies before fixing propeller for your boat. The Professional may guide the owners in fixing right propeller which has maximum pickup, speed, and engine performance.  

Making of propeller: The efficiency and performance are based on raw materials that are used for propeller making. Two main materials used for making propeller are aluminum and stainless steel.  These days, the steel propellers are more in demand than the aluminum ones. The biggest benefit of using the steel boat propellers is that it is much more firm than aluminum.

The aluminum ones usually tend to bend when the boat rides at maximum speed. As steel is inelastic in nature, the performance is not disturbed under any circumstances. Furthermore they are more durable than aluminum counterparts and they can easily resist the damages in sea water due to rocks or other hard substances.

Importance of boat propeller:

A propeller is which determines how fast the boat goes, then for how long engine will last. Then important thing is that if the propeller is regularly serviced it may save more fuel. The propeller size is defined with two sets of characteristics.  They are diameter and pitch.

Diameter: It is defined as twice the distance from the center of the hub to the tip of the blade. Diameter varies according to the propeller size.

Pitch: It is defined as the theoretical forward movement of the propeller during one revolution.

Factors considered for Improving Propeller Performance: To improve the performance of a boat and engine with propellers, there are a few important factors that you must consider. They are blade pitch angle, propeller diameter, and number of blades.

However, getting propeller with very high pitch is not always the right idea because in this case the engine has to work really hard, and this will lead to slow pickup of the boat. A prop with lower blade pitch pushes less amount of water in one revolution and hence it is easier for the engine to go faster.

If a propeller is repaired contacting an underwater propeller repair specialist is advisable. He will inspect the propeller at first and give recommended suggestion for improving performance of boat propeller. 

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Important Things to Know About Boat Bottom Cleaning

No matter what kind of boat you run, power or sail; high speed or slow, boat bottom cleaning is very important to maintain optimum performance. Properly maintaining a boat speed is very essential to smooth running of the ship. The boat maintenance will reduces the chances of breakdown which will results in lower repair cost. One of the hardest things to do is to clean boats while in the water. It’s hard to work and sometimes it can be very risky to hang over the boat edge and trying to brush a hull.

Don’t scrub ablative paint underwater

If you are heavy user of your boat, you need an ablative paint. That is a softer paint that comes off as the boat is running through the water. They increase the boat’s resistance against the water so boats have to use more fuel in accelerating. It’s very important to boaters to remove barnacles from the bottom of their boats so they can achieve a smooth sail without using lot of fuel.

Running Gear

Be sure to paint the running gear and props rather than using regulator bottom paint. Use specialized paint just for running gear and prop, it can save your money because they are very slick paints. Some boat cleaners have considered cleaning the barnacles and scraping the bottom of the boats using a snorkel system, or scuba gear. If you have any serious fouling then it’s time to repaint the boat.

Use Putty Knife

If the bottom is free of hard fouling to begin with, it won’t take the diver much time or effort to sponge off the slime. But if it has more barnacles in under the boat bottom, the divers will clean it using the sharp putty knife or blade motor.  

Safety

Wear gloves to protect your hands from barnacles and knuckles. Don’t go under the boat if conditions are choppy, or if there are nearby boats throwing wakes. Getting hit in the head by a plunging boat will ruin your day.

Clean around the waterline, this is where slime, weedy growth and stains accumulate the fastest. If you can just do the waterline down to arm’s length underwater, without even putting your head under you will have solved a lot of problems.

Zinc Changes  

Boat bottom cleaning divers will inspect the boat zinc anodes and if they feel it has to be change; they will take some underwater photos of the zincs and shows the condition to the boat owner.