The fairing is a very important stage in the maintenance of a boat and does not depend on how much a boat goes out to sail. It is an annual maintenance, which serves both as prevention and care.
© actunautique.com
Before starting
The fairing, what good is it?
The fairing consists of cleaning the hull and passing the antifouling. Except that by the way, we take the opportunity to change the anodes and above all we verify that everything is fine in the submerged part (crankcase, flaps, ... verify that there is no osmosis ...). As we often say, “prevention is better than cure”. Checking that everything is working properly before the season prevents most unpleasant surprises. The fairing is therefore the basis of good maintenance.
When to do it?
It is advisable to do it before the sailing season or before thinking about enjoying your pearl. In any case, it is better to anticipate. In fact, it is necessary to anticipate the availability of the crane, the professional… and all that, it is a complicated organization when everyone wakes up at the same time: in spring! Contact us to plan the fairing of your boat.
How often?
He has hardly sailed this year, his boat has been left at the dock for a long time… he concludes that it is not necessary to careen. Fake! The more you sail, the less the hull gets dirty. Thus, the movement limits the installation of shells and algae. Therefore, it is preferable to careen a boat every year. Just like checking your engines, caring for your hull is an integral part of good maintenance.
What product to choose for antifouling?
Very soon, we will tell you a little more about which product to use for antifouling. There is a wide range on the market. Before deciding there are several points to take into account: the material of the hull, the speed of the boat, its use, the type of navigation...
The anodes are not damaged, should I change them?
Before answering this question, let's remember that the function of the anodes is to attract corrosion first to prevent it from settling on important parts. Hence its name "sacrificial anodes". Therefore, if they do not show any wear, it is because there is a problem: another element acts as an anode, such as the shaft, the propeller ... Otherwise, that is, if the anodes wear quickly, it is just as worrying. In this case, it is usually an electricity leak, on board or around. So the anodes should be changed every time the fairing is done.
The fairing, instructions for use
To guarantee a perfect fairing, three stages are essential: cleaning, antifouling and finishing. Obviously, the boat must be dry in a specific area equipped to collect sewage. Wild fairing is prohibited.
Helmet cleaning
The fairing of a boat is a bit like painting at home: first, nothing better than a good cleaning. And it is the longest part. For this we use a high pressure cleaner, a squeegee for well embedded shells and fine sandpaper with water for limestone. For the propeller and propeller shaft, although these parts are not protected with antifouling, they must be cleaned by scraping and sanding. Then, we delimit with adhesive the areas not to paint: the waterline, the anodes ...
The antifouling
Before painting, make sure the hull is completely dry. Drying time is a very important aspect. Don't hesitate to let a day go by. Then, with a roller or a brush, it is advisable to apply two coats. Also, a good dose of product can be applied to the waterline. Very exposed to light, it is one of the dirtiest areas. Once the antifouling has passed, the stickers must be removed very quickly. Otherwise, you'll also remove paint when you take them out. In addition, they are not compatible with the sun, they wear out... and for a good drying, nothing better than a few rays!
Finishes
If cleaning is the longest step, finishes make all the difference. When the boat returns to the water, it is time to scrape off the antifouling in the areas hidden by the skids. In addition, you can take advantage of the moment to put the anodes. Finally, check that no water is entering the boat 😉
Don't hesitate to contact a professional. In Privilege Yacht, we make it easy for you. Contact us -> info@privilege-yacht.com / +34 972 453 622; +34 616 803 971