The boatwasher effectively removes fouling organisms (algae and crustaceans) from the hull of the boat.
Photo: Antti Sarvela
The operation takes only 10 minutes and is done without lifting the boat from the water.
Photo: Antti Sarvela
Most boat owners are familiar with the trouble caused by algae, bivalves and barnacles, which grow on the bottom of their boats. These organisms can reduce the boatīs speed considerably and increase fuel consumption by as much as 40%.
These effects are often avoided by using anti-fouling paints that slowly release toxic compounds and prevent the organisms from attaching to the boat. Unfortunately these compounds also damage many other organisms living within the marine ecosystem.
Alternative solutions are sought and one might be a boatwasher tested in Finland. It consists of two big brushes that clean the boatīs bottom in approximately ten minutes. The machine is underwater so the boat does not need to be lifted from the water making the process very easy. A similar machine has also been tested in Sweden where the users were satisfied with its cleaning efficiency.
For more information, please contact Mr Martti Komulainen , Environmental Protection Office City of Turku, fax. +358 2 2303518.
