I keep the boat in the water year round here in Annapolis and use it pretty regularly. The last time I had the bottom cleaned and painted was in July 2009. Recently, I noticed a decrease in performance and was pretty sure it was due to the marine life that grows quickly this time of year on the Chesapeake.
I didn't really have the time or want to spend the money on a short haul (about $200) so I went into a nice shallow cove, got in the water and cleaned the bottom with a scrub brush. After about an hour of work I was able to get the bottom cleaned up pretty well including easy removal of a handful of barnacles. I was also able to remove a large number of barnacles that were attached to the bottom of the trim tabs.
As a result of a smoother bottom I was able to get about 1.5 knots (at 4500 rpm) to about 3 knots (at wot) of increased speed. Now I need to find the time and figure how to wax the boat while it's in the water.
I didn't really have the time or want to spend the money on a short haul (about $200) so I went into a nice shallow cove, got in the water and cleaned the bottom with a scrub brush. After about an hour of work I was able to get the bottom cleaned up pretty well including easy removal of a handful of barnacles. I was also able to remove a large number of barnacles that were attached to the bottom of the trim tabs.
As a result of a smoother bottom I was able to get about 1.5 knots (at 4500 rpm) to about 3 knots (at wot) of increased speed. Now I need to find the time and figure how to wax the boat while it's in the water.