New boat owner? Start here in Tampa Bay

What a new owner actually needs to know

• Your hull fouls year-round here. Warm water means growth doesn’t pause for winter.
• Anodes are consumable. Zincs corrode on purpose to protect your metal; they need checking and swapping.
• A dirty bottom costs fuel and speed long before it looks dramatic.
• In-water cleaning beats hauling out for routine upkeep — the diver comes to your slip.

A simple first-year plan

Start with an inspection so you know the baseline, then get on a schedule: every three to four weeks (every two to three in the peak summer growth season). We check the anodes every visit and tell you what the bottom is doing, so nothing sneaks up on you in your first season. Learn more about hull cleaning for new boat owners.

What it costs

In-water hull cleaning is priced per foot of boat length — the fairest measure, because length predicts how much hull, waterline, and running gear a diver has to cover. The recurring rate starts at $3.50/ft for powerboats and $3.00/ft for sailboats & outboards, with monthly minimums of $150 and $120. Length and boat type give you the number; the calculator returns a real estimate in seconds.

Questions boat owners ask

I just bought a boat — how soon should I clean the bottom?

Start with an inspection to set a baseline, then get on a regular schedule. Warm Tampa Bay water fouls a hull year-round.

How often will my new boat need cleaning?

Every three to four weeks (every two to three in the peak summer growth season) for a boat kept in the water here.

What will it cost?

Per foot — $3.50/ft for powerboats and $3.00/ft for sailboats & outboards, with monthly minimums of $150 and $120. The calculator gives an instant estimate.