ICYRA Sailing and Yachts

Cleaning, especially hull cleaning, is hardly the highlight of boat ownership. But like going to the dentist, it needs to be done if you want to sail smoothly and improve your vessel’s shelf life. A poorly maintained hull can cause friction on the water and slow you down, and in the long run will cause greater damage that’s impossible (or extremely expensive) to repair.

Some people insist on doing the cleaning themselves to save money and make sure the job is done their way. But for most of us, it’s just too time-consuming and it’s a lot simpler to leave it to the pros. And for the most part, getting a professional cleaning is more worth your money, and not just because it’s convenient. For instance, cleaning services provide skilled divers to clean out hard-to-reach parts of your hull while it’s safely on the water, saving you considerable time and effort. They also have specialized tools that tackle built-up dirt and deposits that DIY cleaning cannot.

Professional cleaners can also inspect your boat for damage and potential problems while they’re at it. A good company provides its divers with training in problem detection and corrosion control, so they can draw your attention to issues before they cause major damage. If you’re already paying for a similar service, you can save money by getting it as part of a hull-cleaning package—and if you choose the right company, the inspection will be just as thorough.

Another reason to opt for professional cleaning is environmental protection. Household or store-bought hull cleaning products aren’t always safe for the waters; some contain harmful chemicals that can affect water quality and permanently damage local marine life. Cleaning companies with a strong environmental thrust use only water-friendly products that nonetheless do the job. Often, these products will also be gentler to your hull paint and finish, unlike commercial products that can wear off these layers after just a few cleanings. Not all cleaning companies will be eco-friendly, of course, so this will require some research on your part.

How often you get your hull cleaned depends on how often you take it out and what conditions it’s normally exposed to. What’s important, however, is that you get it done at regular intervals, so that slime and attaching organisms don’t have time to build up over time. It can be a drag, but the difference in fuel costs, performance, and overall life of your boat is well worth the trouble.

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