The device, which is about the size of a lawnmower, is buoyant. The rapid rotation of the particularly soft brushes creates a vacuum that sucks the Hulltimo onto the hull. This allows the brushes to build up the required pressure. The arrangement means that almost all hull shapes can be cleaned. Two cameras help to check the cleaning result and control the Hulltimo.
According to the manufacturer, the process takes around one hour for a ten-metre boat. It will then cost around 200 euros. There are no plans for owners to buy the device: "We see our customers as being marinas or service providers who come by with the device and carry out the cleaning on behalf of the owner," says Helge von der Linden, whose M. u. H. von der Linden GmbH distributes the Hulltimo in Germany.
Hard antifoulings are ideal as a substrate, but systems containing silicone are also suitable due to the particularly soft brushes. According to von der Linden, self-polishing paints are less suitable. These are naturally removed. Anyone planning to use the Hultimo must therefore make the right decision when choosing the coating. Then, however, repainting is hardly necessary. And the use of the Hulltimo can be worthwhile for owners: Painting and craning cost around 800 euros a year.
Cleaning with the Hulltimo is necessary two to four times a year, depending on the fouling situation. Incidentally, it collects the detached debris from the hull in a bag, thus ensuring that nothing is discharged into the water.
More under www.vonderlinden.de or under www.hulltimo.com.
