Losing 2 - 4 knots

[340DA]

I boat on the north shore of Long Island and the boat is in the water all season. I've noticed that I am losing some speed (2 - 4 knots) as the season continues when I cruise at the same rpm. All systems are working properly.

I did notice some barnacle growth on the outdrives and tabs but not bad though

Is it possible that "growth" on the hull and/or the outdrives can be the cause?

Can I scrub/scrape it off to improve performance?

 

[Hampton]

Absolutely, without a doubt yes.

Yes, you can scrape them off off the hull and trim tabs. I use a plastic ice scraper, but it would probably be worth your while to hire it done by professionals. Around here, they charge $2/foot. Don't know about the outdrives. I wouldn't keep them in salt water long enough to get growth.

It's highly likely that you'll need to brush the entire hull to remove slime too.

 

[Turtlesboat]

Grab some goggles and a plastic scraper and go to work. You also might want to try a different bottom paint for next year. This year I have ZERO growth, last year when the boat sat for 2 weeks I opened up "mikes sea aquarium" for people to see what was growing on my drives.

 

[rondds]

What seems like NOTHING to the eye is tremendous to the drag. This little bit of crud along my keel slowed me down about 5mph

 

[Turtlesboat]

That looks like a barnacle farm.

 

[EKM]

Your 340DA has out drives?? I used to have my boat in Northport harbor with outdrives and by mid season, the growth on the ODs was severe. One friend put his boat in the water (with antifouling paint on the OD) and never scrapped his boat and did not use it aug and sept...upon pulling the boat, the od looked like a bee's nest of barnacles around each OD. Each harbor was different in growth rates, but this area was the worst.

Every weekend was diving on the OD to clean it up. The hull stayed pretty clean though.

Buy a mask and fins....and enjoy some quite time

 

[tobnpr]

Mask and fins ain't gonna do it. Are you scuba certified?
Take me an hour on average to clean my 39' hull and gear- and that's every few weeks when it's not really "dirty". If you've been sitting all season and haven't had the bottom cleaned, you're likely in for a surprise.

I purchased a 75' hookah hose and put a spare regulator I had on it. I leave the tank on the dock. Much easier than strapping on all that gear.

 

[Turtlesboat]

I just use a snorkel.

 

[Alex F]

Mike,

I would agree with tobnpr. Last year I dove with tank and took my time to inspect and do minor scraping (it really helps if the boat is used frequently). This year I tried snorkel and it's no where near to be a tool to allow you do the bottom cleaning. I was able to wipe off sides and stern, but it's a big time PITA trying to get the full bottom.

Since we're in colder waters (comparing to southern regions) the build up is not as bad. While in Wildwood at Schooners they were running specials for mid season bottom cleaning, which included taking boat out clean and launch it back in. I think it was like $3 per foot. I guess, it's not a bad alternative.

 

[wileecoyote]

Didn't know that the 340DA had outdrives? Would be nice if there was boat info in your Signature. Really would help figure out what you are talking about.:huh:

 

[BahamasBlair]

We have the same issue down here in the Bahamas. Once you get some barnacle growth happening, things really slow down. Last year I was in the same situation as you. I had the entire hull cleaned and it solved the problem. Is your anti-fouling paint very old?