More on bottom cleaning

[BubbleheadMd]

I've recently purchased a Coronado 25 and I'd like to clean the bottom. I'm not in a position to haul it out this year. The bottom's not real bad. It's not growing a grass skirt or anything, and there's just an occasional barnacle, but it is slimy with growth.

I and a friend have our rec. dive licenses. Could we perform an effective cleaning on our own? What type of cleaners and equipment should we use?

Thanks!

[Fstbttms]

Yes, you could perform your own hull cleaning. The basic tools would be a 3M "Doodlebug" scrubber (the abrasiveness of which is dependant on the amount/tenacity of the fouling you intend to remove), a wire brush for the running gear and a 6" scraper to take off any shelled animals. Depending on what brand of zincs you buy, you will need a flathead screwdriver or a set of metric allen wrenches to remove/install them. A hammer is handy to really set the zincs well on the shaft. Many divers (myself included) like to use a suction cup or plunger to give them something to keep them close to the work. I make my own but West Marine sells these if you wanted to buy one.

Bear in mind that since you will be working near the surface, you will likely want to wear more weight than you normally do when doing recreational diving. A lot more, unless you want to be really postively bouyant. Also, if your boat is plugged into the shorepower, be sure to unplug it before getting into the water.

Edit: Just realised you have a Coronado 25, so disregard the part about zinc installation. ;-)

[Joesaila]

Fastbotttom is a pro. I've used his suggestions and done well. I am in a place w a pretty strong current and find it helpful to use a rope from the bow to the stern. Then I move it to the other side and do the same thing. It cleans up pretty nicely and it sure helps to not be dragging that army blanket worth of growth on long trips.

[BubbleheadMd]

Thanks for the detailed advice guys! I feel much better about this than I did.