Question 1

How often should a yacht hull be cleaned by divers?

Accepted Answer

In warm tropical waters (Caribbean, South Florida, Mediterranean summer), schedule hull cleans every 2-3 weeks. In cooler waters, monthly is usually sufficient. Propeller polishing should be done at every hull clean — even light fouling on props reduces efficiency by 5-10%. If the yacht sits idle for extended periods, increase the frequency. A neglected hull in 28-degree water can lose 1-2 knots of cruising speed within 6 weeks of the last clean.

Question 2

How much does underwater hull cleaning cost?

Accepted Answer

Yacht hull cleaning typically runs $4-$8 per foot of waterline length per clean. A 60-foot yacht costs roughly $240-$480 per dive. Prop polishing adds $50-$100 per propeller. Zinc anode replacement runs $20-$50 per anode plus the cost of the zinc. Monthly contracts bring per-clean costs down by 15-25%. Underwater surveys and video inspection run $300-$600 depending on vessel size and what needs to be documented.

Question 3

What should I expect in a diver's hull condition report?

Accepted Answer

A proper report includes the date, water visibility, water temperature, percentage of growth coverage on hull bottom and waterline, condition of each zinc anode (percentage remaining), propeller condition, rudder and trim tab condition, through-hull and sea-chest status, and any anomalies like fishing line wrap, gelcoat damage or osmotic blistering. Photos or video should accompany the written report. If your diver is not providing this level of detail, find one who does.

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