FAQs—You asked. We answered.
What types of vessels do you service?
We offer underwater hull cleaning and maintenance for a variety of recreational and commercial vessels, including boats, yachts, and ships.
How often should a hull be cleaned?
For most recreational vessels, we recommend cleaning your hull every two weeks to once a month, depending on conditions like hull paint and season, to maintain optimal performance and fuel efficiency. In peak season with high water temperatures, we will see hard growth, including oysters, develop in as little as one week!
Will regular cleaning increase the lifespan of my paint?
It absolutely can. Regular cleaning curbs marine growth’s ability to weaken hull paint by stopping it before it starts or gets out of hand. Standard intervals also allow us to use gentler cleaning techniques, extending the coating’s life. In contrast, longer, non-standard cleaning intervals necessitate more aggressive techniques that can reduce paint performance over time.
Do I need to haul out my boat for hull cleaning?
No. Our professional divers perform underwater hull cleaning while the vessel remains in the water, eliminating the need for costly hauling.
How long does an underwater hull cleaning take?
The duration depends heavily on the size of the vessel, the level of fouling, and overall complexity. However, on average, our Performance Hull Cleaning Service typically ranges from one to four hours for a more complex cleaning.
Will hull cleaning improve my vessel’s fuel efficiency?
Undoubtedly, removing barnacles, algae, and other marine growth reduces drag, which can significantly improve fuel efficiency and vessel speed, thereby reducing the overall cost of operation. Regular cleaning significantly amplifies these savings.
What maintenance services do you offer besides hull cleaning?
We offer underwater inspections, underwater videography, sacrificial anode replacement, propeller removal/installation, and minor underwater repairs as needed. We also offer search-and-recovery services for objects up to 100lbs.
What are sacrificial anodes?
Sacrificial anodes are protective metals installed on underwater components such as propeller shafts, trim tabs, rudders, and outdrives to prevent corrosion. In saltwater, small electrical currents naturally flow between different metals on a vessel, which can cause galvanic corrosion, while stray electrical currents in the water can cause electrolysis(stray current corrosion). Because anodes are made from a less noble metal—typically zinc or aluminum for saltwater environments—they gradually corrode first, protecting the more valuable metal components of your boat.
Can I schedule a recurring cleaning service?
Absolutely. We offer maintenance plans tailored to your vessel’s needs and current water conditions. Click this link to our services or navigate to the “Services and Pricing” tab in the header and locate your “Performance Hull Cleaning Service” suitable for your boat’s size and equipment. Sign up for service, and we’ll reach out for scheduling.
I like your logo and name! Do you offer any apparel or merchandise?
A: Yes! We offer branded apparel featuring the Barnacle Boys Dive logo, available for purchase alongside our services. Click here to visit our shop!
How do I schedule a non-recurring cleaning or Specialty Service?
For a Specialty Service Call or Neglected Hull Cleaning, it can be best to contact us to work out some details firsthand. Our team will coordinate with you on all logistics to provide a seamless service experience.
What if I have more questions?
Click one of these underlined links to contact us directly via phone, email, or through our Contact page form!