Tugboat Haul Out

Hi all-We hauled out our Titan Tug 'Hero' form Port Kembla Harbour for maintenance. It had been eighteen months since launching and time now for a good clean. There was some sections where the barrier coat had come away but all the main primer/undercoat was still intact.

The basic hull was constructed in aluminium but for the wood aficionados there was plenty of timber used for the fitout and exterior areas.
Thankfully, no appreciable corrosion/electrolysis was present excepting a couple of minor locations of the usual S/S fasteners not being quite isolated. Around the prop area was also good and so the anodes were up to the task.

The main issue apparent was the shaft seemed tight on the bearing and so a few attempt were made to clear the channels out where the water lubricates the shaft for cooling. We then ran the motor several times and checked the PSS seal and all was well again.

Other than that, it was all the glamour stuff of wet sanding old antifoul off,applying spot primer/barrier coat and recoating the Jotun Seasafe.
The prop then received the 'liquid gold treatment of 'Propspeed' to finish.

The Kubota engine got the full service treatment and I removed the heat exchanger for inspection-This was in good nick and so refitted with a new anode

Regards Scott.

Thanks for the pictures.
Out of interest, how long does each Propspeed application last you?

Hi Jeff-I have been using Propspeed for maybe 10 years including our old yacht, since normal antifoul paint pretty much 'spins off' the prop after a couple of uses.

Typically, I get a years worth, but this is dependent on the more the boat is used, then the better the life of propspeed as less fouling collects on the prop.I also like to dive regularly and give the prop a 'sponge bath' to remove any build up before the barnacles take hold.

Many here are now noting that fouling on boats in general has increased due to the warmer climes.

Hope this helps-C.R.