Hull cleaning removes marine fouling (aka biofouling) from a ship’s hull and propeller. Fouling causes increased frictional resistance which increases fuel consumption.
Boats are designed to move through water with ease and optimal speed. Keeping the hull clean eliminates excess drag-causing marine growth and supports longer drydock intervals and more efficient fuel burning.
When algae and scum build up on a boat’s hull, it causes drag that lowers a vessel’s speed and increases fuel consumption. The problem is even worse for ships that sail in lakes and reservoirs. Large algal blooms deplete the water’s oxygen levels, and they also block sunlight from reaching plants and fish.
When marine growth such as mussels, barnacles and algae collect on a ship’s hull, it is called biofouling. This creates a major problem for shipping companies. It also increases their energy costs and drives up their global warming carbon emissions.
A solution to this problem is to use a hull cleaning product that works as effectively as possible. This includes a biodegradable cleaner that contains powerful ingredients like oxalic acid and hydrochloric acid. This combination breaks down the glue that bonds deposits to the hull, making them easier to scrape. It is safe to use on wood and fiberglass and won’t damage painted surfaces.
Rust is a reddish-brown material that forms when iron and oxygen interact with each other on metal surfaces. It is extremely dangerous to metal objects because it can destroy them if left untreated. This can be true for cars, buildings, and other metal products.
Using chemicals that contain low PH ingredients is a good way to remove these contaminants from the fiberglass surface of your boat without damaging it. Vinegar can be used, as well as other household items like molasses and citric acid. There are also commercial rust-removing products on the market that use stronger acids.
Marine growth and fouling are an ongoing concern for boat owners, particularly those who live in the warmer climates. Marine growth eats away at the fiberglass and can cause significant damage, reducing the value of the vessel. It can also clog through hulls, leading to engine problems. This is why it is so important to have your hull cleaned on a regular basis.
The bottom of many sailboats and powerboats are coated in anti-fouling paint. This helps to slow the growth of marine organisms like algae and barnacles. However, it doesn’t completely prevent them from attaching to the boat’s hull. Having your hull cleaned on a regular basis will help reduce the amount of drag caused by these marine organisms. This will allow your boat to move through the water more quickly, saving you money on fuel.
Hull cleaning also removes tough stains like waterline mustaches, rust and other aquatic contaminants from the surface of your vessel. Use an eco-friendly hull cleaner that is safe for fiberglass, gelcoat and painted surfaces. It works fast to dissolve grime without heavy scrubbing. It is also environmentally friendly, rinsing off easily into the water to be recycled by your local ecosystem. Avoid toxic chemical cleaners containing Tributyltin (TT) as they can harm our oceans.
Over time, boats collect algae, marine life, barnacles and other fouling. These organisms add weight, increase frictional resistance and consume fuel unnecessarily. A clean hull is more efficient, saving boat owners money on fuel while decreasing their carbon footprint.
Hull cleaning is a hazardous job that requires specialized equipment and training. Cleaning crews must wear thick workman’s gloves to protect their skin from sharp surfaces that are foulled with barnacles and other marine growth.
Marinas should provide their hull cleaners with information about possible harm to coastal waters caused by uncontrolled release of paint products during scraping, sanding and washing hulls. Visible signs, clauses in customer contracts and fact sheets are all effective ways to communicate this message. A hull cleaning product that is free of Tributyltin should also be used to reduce potential damage to our oceans and aquatic ecosystems.
Set up your free consultation with St. Petersburg Hull Cleaning Service immediately, and let our skilled divers in St. Petersburg take care of your boat’s hull. Find out what it’s like to sail effortlessly and how having a clean, well-maintained hull can give you peace of mind.
Set up your free consultation with St. Petersburg Hull Cleaning Service immediately, and let our skilled divers in St. Petersburg take care of your boat’s hull. Find out what it’s like to sail effortlessly and how having a clean, well-maintained hull can give you peace of mind.