Maintenance FAQ

Facts you should know:

1. Cost of Haul outs VS. Diver based maintenance.

Most marinas charge $4.00 to $7.50 per foot to haul out your boat to clean it, inspect the hull, and replace zincs. Why take time out of your work week, or weekend to even GET to the boat lift? We can come in 7 days a week, on a day and time of your choosing, and be done in a less than a quarter of the time of a haul out, and a fraction of the cost!

2. Common Zinc Myths.

Can I just hang several sacrificial zincs off my pier or around my boat? No! This will not work, as the zincs need to be adhered to a non painted area of your vessel, and have direct contact with it in order to work.

3. What do zincs do? How often should I have them changed?

Zinc Anodes are inexpensive and highly active plates that are strategically positioned around your engine and drive unit, designed to prevent corrosion. These sacrificial anodes are much more active than aluminum and stainless steel, so they will corrode more quickly, protecting your boat. These anodes corrode quickly, and it is important you change them when 50% of the anode is remaining. CGS Marine can change your zinc anodes in minutes, and for a fraction of the cost of what a marina haul out would cost you. We recommend your zincs be changed at 6 month intervals in most areas of the Inner Harbor, and surrounding counties.

4. What does in water cleaning mean to the environment?

At CGS Marine & Dive Service we take the environment very seriously. Everyone must do their part to preserve our natural resource of the Chesapeake Bay, and Baltimore Harbor. We only clean bottom paints that can withstand scrubbing, and will not release harmful deposits into the water. So in short, we work very carefully to protect our divers and your marina!

5. Why are CGS divers different than other companies? What is a QUALIFIED diver?

Our divers have over 15 years of diving experience. As listed in our brochure and under the "commercial diving" page, most of our divers are A.D.C. accredited commercial divers. (Association of Diving Contractors) All of our diving is done in almost zero visibility, cold, dark waters. So weather will not be a factor in delaying your boat being cleaned! The only weather we will not put divers in the water is during lightening storms. Most of our dives are conducted with vulcanized rubber drysuits, and a hardhat systems. (Although sometimes SCUBA is used) We are available to service and clean your boat all 12 months of the year. If you leave your boat in the water all year long, we will maintain it during the winter as well.

6. Fuel costs are going up. How can frequent hull cleanings help the boat owner?

Not cleaning your bottom will increase drag and raise your fuel costs 15 to 25%. Also, the longer in between cleanings the more costly it gets for the owner as most dive services charge a higher rate per foot, based on excessive growth on your hull, running gear, and propellers. We recommend at least one monthly cleaning. CGS Marine will work with you to tailor a cleaning schedule that meets your financial and boat operational satisfaction.

Slime: Slime is a major form of fouling. Slime is caused by billions of single cell algae which produce a syrupy medium in which to settle. This makes a settling ground for more algae to form to your boat, leading to further forms of fouling.

Animal/Barnacles: Animal fouling, such as barnacles release millions of microscopic barnacle larvae into the water. These larvae need to attract to a static object to feed. I.E. your boat! Most boats remain static 90% of their time afloat, which makes for a perfect breeding ground for all types of fouling.

7. What methods does CGS Marine & Dive Service use to clean my boat?

We use an environmentally safe degreaser, 100% biodegradable, that is used widely on vessels around the world, that is released into the water without any negative effect on the environment. The United States Coast Guard routinely uses it on their decks, waterline, and other general uses. We also use various 3M products underwater, and mechanical means to clean your hull, running gear, and restore a polished look to your propellers.

8. The marina always power washed my hull. Why is that not always good?

Power washing your hull in haul out can damage your paint, and sometimes require a new coat of paint that was designed to give you multi - season use. We gently clean your hull, running gear, and other components to ensure damage does not occur to your paint or hull.

9. I hardly plan to move my boat this summer due to rising fuel costs, so why bother cleaning the hull and running gear?

One of the main reasons in the above instance is to ensure all your lines, discharges, and A/C units are maintained and kept in running order. Many items such as plastic bags, debris, garbage, and other things can get sucked up into your intake valves, thus rendering your A/C unit useless at the most annoying time. When you see that water start to trickle out, and your A/C just doesn't seem to be cooling off as well, call CGS Marine for a prompt remedy, and its inexpensive too. Beats spending the gas to get to a haul out marina, and the time out of your day!

6/03/08