Robotic Hull Cleaning: What Does the New Technology Change?

Robotic (underwater) hull cleaning, much discussed lately, refers to robot systems that clean weed and growth off the hull without hauling the boat out. So what does this technology change, and what doesn't it?

How does it work?

A robot moving underwater attaches to the hull and cleans biological build-up (weed, early scale) with brush/cleaning units — while the boat stays afloat.

Advantages

• No haul-out: frequent in-season cleaning is possible while the boat stays in the water.
• Sustained performance: a clean hull lowers drag and fuel use.

Limits

• No substitute for antifouling: robot cleaning doesn't replace the antifouling layer that prevents adhesion; aggressive cleaning can erode the antifouling.
• Doesn't cover structural work: for osmosis, paint, gelcoat and structural repair, the boat must still be hauled out.
• Availability: may not be applicable in every region/for every boat.

Our approach

Robotic cleaning is an in-season complement; for thorough hull maintenance, antifouling renewal and repair we offer a detailed haul-out-based service. For your hull's scale and build-up, see also this article.

We do thorough hull cleaning and maintenance under our maintenance service.