Bottom Fouling in the Keys

[johnpaul7005]

Hi all!

I have a 2006 Bayliner 275 Ciera (see photos attached) that I've been living aboard since August 2022.

I'm new to boat ownership so I wanted to be cautious and clean the bottom every month. I cleaned it in late August and then a few days ago (before we pulled it out to put on a trailer in anticipation of incoming Hurricane Ian). I noticed that the barnacle growth has spread since August and I'm getting nervous about it. A local bottom cleaning company said since the boat doesn't have a protective paint layer on the bottom, I should clean the bottom every 2 weeks! Sounds a bit excessive but - since I'm inexperienced - I'm probably going to have to heed their warning.

I am planning to sell the boat in December 2022 so I want to make sure the bottom is in as good of shape as possible.

What do ya'll suggest to prevent excessive barnacle build up?

[Cool Change 4788]

If you leave it in salt water you should have anti fouling bottom paint on it for long term protection if you leave it in the water

[Jim_Gandee]

If your boat is sitting in warm ocean water, like the Fl Keys, the speed and amount of growth can surprise you! I’d strongly suggest you apply bottom paint (local yards will be able to suggest the best paint for your area) to protect your boat as well as maintain performance.

[builderdude]

Yep, bottom paint is mandatory if it sits in the water more than 2-3 days or so. If your selling it in December I’d just keep it on the trailer till then.
I have no bottom paint on mine and when it’s in the water it gets used on a daily basis, otherwise it sits on the trailer at the house.

[johnpaul7005]

Thanks everyone for your help!

A few follow up questions:

1) The trailer is not mine. It belongs to the marina. Would a company providing a bottom painting service be able to come and pick up my boat since I don't have a trailer? How does that service usually work?
2) If I were to leave it unpainted for the next 2 months, but clean it every 2 weeks, could this severely impact the depreciation of the boat? If so, how many thousands of dollars would you expect I could be losing?
3) How long does bottom painting take? Since I live aboard the vessel, I'd need to find a place to stay while it's painted and this would be a major cost in the Keys.
4) What do you think it would cost to bottom paint this 28 foot boat?

Thanks again!

[NotSure]

To give you more FL experiences, I will chime in. My last boat was not bottom-pained, but it lived on a lift and was only in the salt water while being used. Occasionally I would take a longer trip and go to the keys or Bahamas. After a week, I could feel barnacles growing on my bottom, after two weeks, they were visibly noticeable. I would scrub the entire bottom with a scouring pad (link attached for an example) weekly. If I failed to do the required cleaning, I would have to acid wash the bottom to get it back to new. I really good coat of wax could buy me a few days extra.

1. If you get the bottom painted, they will put it on blocks and take care of everything.
2. Depending on the buyer, bottom painting can either reduce or improve sales price. Likely evens out.
3. Plan for 3 to 5 days for a very basic job. Some marinas will allow you to live on the boat while it is being pained, for example, Murrell Marine in Lantana FL.
4. Depends on how good a job you do. Really sucky answer but is true. Figure a grand plus or minus a few hundred for a cheap job, and you will likely not cry.

Sample scrubbing pad

https://www.amazon.com/Scouring-Pads-Non-Scratch-Anti-Grease-Scrub/dp/B01JGZXFTW/ref=sr_1_54?keywords=kitchen+scrubber&qid=1664296208&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjMwIiwicXNhIjoiNi4wNSIsInFzcCI6IjUuODcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=kitchen+scrub%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-54

[johnpaul7005]

Thank you! This is super helpful.

[johnpaul7005]

Thank you for your help, everyone!

If anyone is looking to buy a 28' 2006 Bayliner 275 Ciera this December, I'm planning on offering it for $32,000 USD (obo).

Thanks again.

John

[PickleRick]

Thank you for your help, everyone!

If anyone is looking to buy a 28' 2006 Bayliner 275 Ciera this December, I'm planning on offering it for $32,000 USD (obo).

Thanks again.

John

I personally hate a painted hull. Once you go painted you can never go back without spending a ton of money. I feel like resell value is also a little better if she's not painted and it's clean.


If she's for sale and you hope it's gone soon I'd pull once a week if you have the tow rig/trailer and pressure wash it, maybe a quick wax if you have the time.


A daily scrub on the outdrive can be done on a float with a beer on the swim platform. I don't recommend this in most canals because of the bacteria, fish guts and bull sharks on patrol for a free meal. But I'm overly cautious.