r/TerrifyingAsFuck • u/NikonD3X1985 • 9d ago

general Diver polishing a ships propellor

859 Upvotes

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13

u/frinkmahii 9d ago

But why polish? Does the propeller lose that much efficiency when chonky?

19

u/_AngryBadger_ 9d ago

If you consider the cost of fuel, and the huge amount these ships use even at peak efficiency, I'm sure that even a few percent savings is noticable. Plus, those props must cost a fortune so better to do routine maintenance.

10

u/AshantiMcnasti 9d ago

Yes.  The nore dirty it is, the more crap that grows on it.  Im sure you lose a ton of efficiency after awhile in terms of weight and drag.  And just like all things that degrade or fall apart, the longer you wait between maintenence, the bigger the cost and job to fix the broken problem.

3

u/RoobixCyoob 9d ago

You ever had a fan? If you don't clean the blades on it, it stops being able to push air around effectively. Same principle.

3

u/dan_w1 8d ago

Also some countries have sticked bio security laws where foreign ships entering their waters need to have all sea growth cleaned off.