Level 1 Routine Bottom Prep

Service Description

The underwater hull is a high-friction environment where even a thin layer of algae significantly impacts your boat's efficiency, speed, and fuel economy. Bottom Prep Level 1 is a routine bottom prep service designed for boats that are regularly maintained and simply need light fouling removed to preserve their hydrodynamic performance. We treat the bottom of the boat as a critical functional system. To clear the hull safely, our technicians use soft scrapers, soft-bristle brushes, and non-acid marine cleaners to gently remove light algae and slime from the underwater surfaces. We rely on careful manual effort to clear the hull while preserving the integrity of the underlying substrate and any existing coatings. Because physics comes before chemistry, we focus on safely detaching the unbonded growth without introducing harsh acids into the marina or boatyard environment. Honesty is our policy: this is strictly a light maintenance cleaning. It explicitly excludes sanding, antifouling paint preparation, and the removal of heavy marine growth or hard barnacles. If your boat has moderate fouling that requires surface keying for a new layer of bottom paint, this gentle wash will not suffice. Success at this level means your hull is smooth to the touch, clear of light slime, and ready to cut through the water efficiently. However, if we discover that the fouling has bonded deeply or there is old, flaking paint that needs to be removed for a new coating, the baseline has shifted. At that point, the hull requires an honest handoff to Bottom Prep Level 2 to introduce the mechanical sanding necessary for proper paint adhesion. We approach your hull with the intention of maintaining its performance without unnecessary abrasion. FAQ Section • Does this service include sanding for new bottom paint? No. Level 1 is strictly a maintenance cleaning to remove light slime. Preparing the hull for new antifouling paint requires the mechanical sanding provided in Bottom Prep Level 2 or Level 3. • Will this wash remove hard barnacles or heavy marine growth? No. This service targets unbonded, light fouling like algae. Heavy marine growth and barnacles require aggressive scraping and mechanical sanding, which is beyond the scope of a Level 1 cleaning. • How long does a Bottom Prep Level 1 take? It requires a minimum of 2 hours for an average 30-foot boat. Time varies based on your hull's specific condition and the level of yard access.