Feb

1

2010

Scrubbing the Bottom

Author: jc

Even here in paradise there are chores to do. Especially here.

Yesterday I put in my ear plugs (still fighting a bit of an ear infection), flippers, mask and snorkel. Grabbed a scraper and took a look at the bottom of Sea Bear. There were 2 inch long white bi-valve seashells, with long pink tongues hanging out, all along the white “water line” painted on her hull. These things weren’t there two weeks ago. I also noted round perriwinkle thingies and a lot of green mossy grass-like stuff. Farther down are bunches of “dark stuff” I didn’t inspect closely.

As I scraped these things off, I soon had lots of little buddies. FISH! Anywhere from 3 to 12 inches long. They did a pretty good job of making sure the shells didn’t reattachthemselves. After a while, bigger fish arrived and when I got done, pelicans and other birds were there making sure the bigger fish didn’t get too cocky as well. Ahh, the food chain in action.

Since I will be wearing ear plugs, I really can’t go much more than 6-8 feet down. I float like a cork, so I’ll need to dig out the weight belt.  I have no idea about what works best to scrub with, so maybe I should go buy a few scrubby-tools. Plastic scraper, shiny steel wool, green sponge pads, maybe a metal spatula for the tough guys. Anyone have any suggestions? It’s a red ablative paint there under the water line, but I can see round 1 inch spots where the paint is completely missing. I sense a new paint job in my future. Sigh. I bet bottom paint isn’t cheap, either.

  Anyway, suggestions are always welcome.  If you know of any tricks, tools, or specific products to make the cleaning and maintenance of my bottom any easier, add a comment to this article and let me know. Or you can sent regular email to me at “seabear at  miller period org”.

I’d better get to the hardware store and see what they have on the shelf. The SailFest race is Wednesday, and the parade is Saturday. I gotta make sure my bttom is smooth. pretty.

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4 Responses to “Scrubbing the Bottom”

  1. kelly Says:
    February 1st, 2010 at 8:59 am

    Teehee! I can’t stop giggling!

  2. Michael Childs Says:
    February 3rd, 2010 at 10:03 pm

    Sounds like your doing it, love it. Get yourself a couple of the suction cups that they use to move plates of glass. Then when you scrub the bottom, you just stick to the hull. Gives you something to hold on to. You dont waste so much energy trying to stay under. I dont know what size or make of boat you have but here in Tex for a 41′ a bottom job runs about $2,000. Dont scrub your bottom paint off, it sounds thin. Use plastic scrapers on the critters. Remember once the bottom gets paint you have to get her back in the water within a couple of days.
    Sounds like you are having fun. Hope to be headed down the east cost of Central America in the fall.

  3. Sarah and Jay Says:
    February 6th, 2010 at 7:53 am

    Hi Harold, Hi JC,

    We just heard about a wicked storm that blew over Pacific Mexico. We hope you weathered that one in good shape. Hope you will post something soon that tells a great story with a happy ending. We still think of you often and wish we were there with you. We haven’t found a boat yet but we are still looking. We won’t be able to come back to Mexico this winter but plan to drive to Florida for some warmth and more boat hunting. Take care and happy sailing.

    Sarah and Jay

  4. Don Baker Says:
    February 27th, 2010 at 1:23 am

    Hey Harold,

    I am an old friend of Denny from Rogue River, sounds like you’re having the adventure of a lifetime! Look forward to hearing and seeing more of your travels. Tell a little about your boat when you get a chance…

    All the best,

    Don

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