Boats & Watercraft

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Starting form the bottom, up. Hull-Diving is the term for all work performed on a vessel while it's in the water—usually with the assistance of dive gear. Hull Cleaning the is the process of cleaning/scraping boat bottoms and running gear (propeller, prop shaft) to rid them of any and all fouling agents (algae, barnacles, oysters); which can negatively affect boat performance. The IRL produces rather aggressive, fast growing hull growth, especially in higher temperature months.

Hull-Diving work also includes to inspection/replacement of zinc anodes, which help to mitigate the affects of electrolysis on a boat. Hull-Divers also perform work on boat's propellers, such as removal and replacement—which can be tedious, difficult and specialized. All facets of this underwater work are necessary in keeping a vessel functioning at its optimal performance and save boat owners on the costs of haul-outs, boatyard fees, time and labor—which can amount to a fortune.

Regular hull-cleanings are a responsible boater's practice when traversing to other areas/marinas, as boat bottoms can carry and plant various marine organisms into those new destinations, where they wouldn't have been otherwise.

Detailing refers to the washing/cleaning of a boat's topsides, deck and all other onboard accessories—everything above the waterline. Various techniques, tools and products are used, based on the type of vessel being cleaned; however the most utilized cleaning product is, Water.

Detailing keeps a vessel looking her best.

Mechanical work generally refers to work having to do with a boat's motor(s). Motors/engines are the means by which a boat is propelled—they are the heart of the vessel. Usually they serve to run other systems such as generators/alternators, pumps and fuel. The most common type of marine engine is internal combustion engines (gas and diesel) and more recently electric. Marine engines are categorized by the way they're installed on a vessel: which is inboard (mounted internally), outboard (mounted the stern/transom), sterndrives (inboard/outboard drive or I/O), jet drive (which are internally located and use water as a propulsion means) and bow-mounted (usually in the form of trolling motors). All these engines types can be installed in varying a combination and amounts, based on the desire/needs of the boat's operator.

From their production to their maintenance and use, Marine Mechanical is big business that will always be a cornerstone of the Industry.

Since the discovery that wood floats, boats have traditionally been made out of it. In the last century, fiberglass and other materials have become more popular boatbuilding materials but wooden boats are still produced, maintained and used. Wood is the classic material that gives boats most of their soul and charm. Adorning both wooden boats and boats made of other materials are various accents such as trim, rub rails, gunwales and more (traditionally made of teak and mahogany)—the maintenance of these surfaces is called Brightwork, and usually entails sanding, cleaning, and applying multiple coats of oil or varnish to said surfaces.

Working on/maintaining wooden boats and those made of fiberglass  require some fairly different skill sets. AME has a partiality towards wooden boats, as that is the boatbuilding/restoration discipline which We come from (and I simply don't like working with fiberglass). Wooden boats are notoriously maintenance intensive but for those who have experienced boating aboard one, in contrast with boats of other materials, the difference is day and night.

Some work involving boats can't be performed in/on the water and for this reason they must be hauled-out and the work performed on land, typically in a boatyard. A boat that is out of the water, propped up on dry land is referred to being on-the-hard. Boatyard work is a whole facet of the Marine Industry in and of itself. It's been my experience that one can spend up to a lifetime working in boatyards and never touch the water! For this reason, the distinction should made should be made to decide (with experience) whether one prefers to work on boats or to use them. Again, boatyard work is very multifaceted and the projects one chooses to undertake while on-the-hard can quickly add up, along with boatyard expenses and time spent there—which is why AME prides itself on being able to complete as much work as possible while a vessel remains in the water. However, some jobs simply can't be finessed on the water, and for this reason a haul-put becomes necessary. The best thing to do when it comes to boatyard work is to get in-do you need to do-and get back on the water!

Regularly checking on one's vessel, especially while she resides in the water, is the best way to ensure that everything is copasetic and all systems are running optimally. Additionally, the best way to keep up with boat upkeep is to use and enjoy her.

"A boat is safe in the harbor. But that is not the purpose of a boat."

-Paulo Coelho, author of The Alchemist