There are quite a few reasons why you should consider doing a mid-season short haul and bottom cleaning to prolong the longevity of your boat.

1. Bottom check – It’s no secret the Chesapeake Bay, and its many rivers have a lot of floating debris that can cause damage to your boat’s bottom, running gear, and propeller. Pulling the boat out of the water via short haul allows you to assess any damage before it becomes a bigger (and more expensive) problem.
2. Power washing – If your boat spends a lot of its time in warmer, shallower water, you may find scum and barnacles on the hull. Power washing is a quick and easy way to remove the scum and (most) barnacles while still being gentle on your paint.
3. Barnacle scraping – “Growth of barnacles on the bottom of your boat can significantly impact fuel usage,” says Alex Hazel, General Manager of Atlantic Marinas, “and with the high cost of fuel this boating season, that leaves most boaters with no wiggle room in their pockets.” Barnacles are relatives to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp and like settling in places with a lot of activity; therefore, moving objects like boat hulls are particularly vulnerable. Atlantic Marinas offers extensive high & dry rental spaces that allow out-of-water boat storage, which grants boat owners significantly less worry.
4. Acid Wash – If you long for that new car smell, you’ll love an acid wash for your boat. Boats cruising the Chesapeake and its rivers can quickly get a brown waterline stain on the hull. An acid wash removes the waterline stain making your boat bright and clean. To increase the shine of your boat, ask about getting a polish.
5. General maintenance & enhancements – An excellent time to make minor enhancements is when your boat is out of water. You will still have the remainder of the season to enjoy; plus, you don’t have the pressure of a journey on your hands. The key to the longevity of your boat is keeping up with general maintenance.