Video summary

This Cost a Fortune... We Removed It Anyway

Main summary

Key takeaways

Science and Nature

Scientific concepts / nature phenomena mentioned

Marine biofouling & antifouling coatings

  • Barnacles and fouling organisms (“less barnacles, less junk growing”) are described as reducing:
    • hydrodynamic performance (better top speeds)
    • fuel efficiency
  • Use of antifouling / foul-release products:
    • “Prop speed” applied to propellers and “plastic bits”
    • “Foulfree” applied to the sonar/thruster components (“little props on our thrusters and our trouers”)

Hydrodynamics, surface tension, and energy/fuel savings

  • Testing result (by an independent third party):
    • about 4.5% fuel savings after application (vs. a “clean” baseline)
  • Proposed mechanism:
    • foul-release coating reduces surface tension of the prop
    • lower surface tension → less energy required to move through water
    • → reduced fuel burn and associated greenhouse gas emissions

Galvanic corrosion & cathodic protection (anodes)

The discussion focuses on preventing galvanic corrosion using:

  • Anodes
    • described initially as zinc-based (e.g., weight and coverage characteristics)
    • later states the system is using aluminum anodes
  • Backing plates installed between the anode and hull
  • A vacuum plate concept:
    • described as sitting “in between the hole and the anode”
  • Stray current isolation checks before splash:
    • verify an isolated shaft coupling
    • confirm/inspect anodes and prop nut
  • Dissimilar metals concern:
    • old zinc build-up on backing plates could contribute to problematic dissimilar-metal corrosion
    • therefore, old backing plates are not reused

Electrochemical material choice: zinc vs aluminum

  • The speaker notes a trend from zinc to aluminum anodes:
    • “switch to aluminum as well”
  • Claimed benefits:
    • better for the environment
    • “closer to the same galvanic scale number” (i.e., reduced galvanic mismatch)

Non-ablative “hard” anti-fouling coating and cleaning physics/logistics

  • A specialized hard coating is introduced: EcoSpeed Ice
    • claimed as super hard, non-toxic, non-ablative
    • one-time application lasting decades
    • intended to reduce drag via a smoother hull surface
  • Despite growth resistance, cleaning is still needed more frequently than expected because it “isn’t shedding anything off”
  • Cleaning challenge:
    • growth resistance may require a hydraulically powered scrubber with metal bristles or very aggressive pads
    • described as overkill for an owner-operated ~50 ft cruising yacht (as opposed to commercial/diving use)

Power systems / inverter phase requirements (engineering concept)

  • The hydraulic bottom cleaner is described as three-phase (3-phase) equipment.
  • Boat electrical constraints:
    • required three different inverters to supply 3-phase operation
    • otherwise, they can combine to run systems on single-phase
  • Presented as a heavy-duty, industrial-type electrical requirement rather than a typical yacht load.

Methodologies / procedures outlined

Independent coating/fouling testing (prop/foul-release)

  • Tested by a third-party independent evaluator:
    • compare props with foul-release/prop speed coating vs. a failed/unclean baseline prop over a season
    • measure impact on fuel savings
    • infer/attribute effect to surface tension reduction → reduced energy/water resistance

Installing cathodic protection hardware (anodes)

  • Prepping for anodes across bow thrusters and the whole system
  • Reinstallation guidance includes:
    • use thread locker only on middle threads
      • avoid touching the front/tip so metal-to-metal contact is maintained
  • DIY backing plates:
    • make neoprene/closed-cell-foam backing plates from a cut wetsuit material
  • Installation considerations:
    • ideal items (e.g., conductive grease, “washers with bite”) were recommended but not available
    • proceed “as-is” due to sourcing limitations

Stray current / corrosion isolation checks before splash (via NPS/MPS)

  • Quick checks on:
    • isolated shaft coupling
    • remove/inspect anodes
    • inspect prop nut
  • Run tests suggested by the referenced service (MPS / NPS)

Applying/patching bottom coating (EcoSpeed Ice touch-ups)

  • Touch-up procedure steps implied:
    • prep work completed
    • mix paint and apply quickly due to:
      • thick coating
      • limited working time (about 20 minutes after mixing)
      • required wait (2–3 hours between coats)

Bottom cleaning system operation (hydraulic scrubber)

  • Dedicated hydraulic setup:
    • hydraulic pump is the only hydraulic system on the boat
    • must use biobased eco-friendly hydraulic fluid
    • scrubber head with bristles/pads stored in a tall container
  • Operational limitations:
    • no scuba tanks/compressor
    • not designed for long underwater diver operation

Researchers / sources featured

  • Jess (NPS) — referenced repeatedly for recommendations/testing related to corrosion/anode setup and isolation
  • Roland — boat interior builder/refit specialist (spent a full year building the interior; provided repairs and installation support)
  • MPS (Jess’s organization) — referenced for stray current/protection video/test service
  • Third-party independent testing organization — performed fuel-savings verification for foul-release/prop speed coatings
  • EcoSpeed Ice company — referenced as the coating vendor making performance claims

Original video