How to Clean the Bottom of a Sailboat Underwater! (Tips from the Pros #4 /Patrick Childress #55)
6 December 2019 · 10 min · 164K views
What this video covers
Cleaning a sailboat bottom underwater requires minimal gear: a mask, swim fins, a soft sponge or abrasive pad, and suction cups to maintain position against the hull. For boats up to 45 feet, most of the hull can be cleaned by holding one's breath while working from the waterline down. To reach the keel, propeller, and shaft, a scuba tank placed on deck or in a dinghy—connected to a 25-to-30-foot hose and regulator—eliminates the need for a buoyancy control jacket or weight belt. Use the least abrasive pad possible to avoid stripping expensive bottom paint; save aggressive pads or putty knives only for stubborn growth on the running gear. If barnacles are present, the hull requires a haul-out and fresh paint rather than underwater scrubbing. Regular maintenance every two months prevents heavy accumulation and extends the life of the antifouling.
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