Cleaning bottom by heeling boat over.

[Selkirk]

We had an O'Day 322, which had about a 4 1/2 foot draft.
Diver?
No. We just ran her gently up on the beach and stood next to her going under when necessary.
It worked.

[zz4gta]

Originally Posted by Fstbttms

Do you pull the wheels off to make sure the mechanic installed new brake pads too?

You, my friend, are destined to spend your life sailing on a dirty bottom.

Yes, as I'm a certified mechanic, automotive machinist, and welder.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by zz4gta

Yes, as I'm a certified mechanic, automotive machinist, and welder.

Touche!

[hellosailor]

Careening a boat to clean the bottom is rare these days, mainly because there are so few convenient places to do it. (And folks will be reporting a boat has capsized when they see you.)

Since travel time can kill the profits and reputation counts, you'll usually find one or two bottom cleaners work one achnorage or marina. Ask around for a recommendation, and if you want to check on it, just get a mask and pop down afterwards to eyeball it.

Bottom cleaning yourself is going to be a slow and dirty job. If you use SCUBA, refilling the tanks is often an expensive and timely nuisance. Hooka, another cost. I've been tempted to sail into a "bib" of black vinyl and just dose it with bleach to keep the growth down. Except, I've got a nagging feeling the fiberglass and steel would eventually complain about all that bleach. (G)