Hull Cleaning  - In South Florida a vessel's fuel and hull performance usually begins               decreasing  after   just one month from dry-dock and continues to decrease rapidly.           Underwater marine growth,  barnacles, and/or sea grass can cost a boat owner           thousands of extra dollars in time and fuel costs           each year.            It is important to schedule regular hull cleaning to prevent spending additional dollars            for fuel, or haul out.  Hull maintenance prevents hard growth that causes drag, reduces            speed and causes unnecessary strain on the motor which can lead to costly repair            and excess fuel consumption.              We suggest at least once a month and more often in the warmer summer months or            when the boat is not in use.  Why, more often in the summer?  Because the warmer            water increases the growth rate of            marine organisms.    Zincs  -  While your diver cleans and inspects you hull monthly it is important to inspect and replace any deteriorated zincs.  Zincs are sacrificial metal anodes used in corrosion control for your vessel.  Any electrical current or charges (usually caused by being plugged into shore power) creates electrolysis. This electrolysis  will attack the softest metal under your boat.   Zinc being the softest metal will deteriorate first. Without the zincs these charges will attack the next softest metal which is usually the propeller.  If your running gear is left unguarded it will eventually be damaged beyond repair by even the best prop-smith.            Most vessels need to have their zincs replaced 2-3 times per year depending on the            type of vessel and location.   But, it is important to know that certain issues can            increase exposure to electrolysis and cause the rate at which zincs deteriorate to            increase dramatically.

UNDERWATER HULL MAINTENANCE