Yacht Diving & Hull Cleaning Services

Yacht Diving & Bottom Cleaning Services Worldwide

Underwater service divers keep a yacht’s running gear and hull efficient without hauling out. They perform in-water hull cleaning, propeller and running-gear polishing, zinc anode inspection and replacement, prop and line removal, through-hull and intake clearing, and underwater surveys and photo inspections. Marine growth, fouling, and slime on the hull dramatically increase drag and fuel burn, while neglected anodes let galvanic corrosion eat props, shafts, and metals. Divers also recover dropped items, inspect for damage after grounding, and check shafts and bearings. Skilled cleaning protects antifouling rather than scrubbing it off, using the right pad pressure for the paint type.

When hiring, look for commercial dive certification, liability insurance, knowledge of antifouling-safe cleaning methods, anode expertise, and references for working on yachts of similar size and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should the hull be cleaned underwater?
A: In warm, nutrient-rich water, monthly or more; in cooler water, every few months. Watch for fuel-burn increases and reduced speed as signs of fouling.

Q: Does in-water cleaning damage antifouling paint?
A: Aggressive scrubbing can. A good diver matches pad softness and pressure to the paint type to remove growth while preserving the coating’s life.

Q: Why do anodes matter so much?
A: Sacrificial anodes corrode in place of expensive metals like props and shafts. If they’re depleted and not replaced, galvanic corrosion attacks the running gear itself.