In South Florida it's definitely economic to clean quite frequently, although every two weeks is more than we've done. Usage of the boat does play into the need as well. Good regular cleanings can be done with very little impact on the paint. Most divers in South Florida are use to very frequent cleaning and the techniques to protect the paint. It sure does lengthen the time between painting versus a less frequent but more rigorous bottom cleaning.
I'm surprised to see similar recommendations for San Diego.
Going Back in the water!
We kept our boat in Carrabelle for about 5 years, I still live in the area and fish the area a lot, but our "big" boat lives in Stuart. I can tell you that the fouling in the Carrabelle/Apalach/Alligator Point area is really, really bad. In all seriousness it is likely the worst anywhere in the US. There is a reason that Apalachicola oysters are known all over the US, oysters, clams and Barnacles gorw like CRAZY here with all the nutrients and warm water.
My skiff with an unpainted bottom gets discernible barnacles about the size of a pin head on it in 24 hours. No joke.
Hello, I have my boat bottom done every three months. The diver just cleaned the boat it's a 34ft Mainship. I'm in SW Florida, the charge for cleaning was $80.00 he also check zincs they needed replacing, 2 shaft zincs were $45.00. I feel that it is worth doing, might have to have it more often in the summer haven't had this boat that long.
You should bear in mind that the $1.35/foot you paid is pretty much a rock bottom price. It just simply doesn't get much cheaper than that.
$80/34 = $2.35/ft.