Barnacle Removal

[WestonW]

Hi all , simple question . What is the best way to remove barnacles from my hull.

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

If the hull is in the water (ie. live barnacles), then using a pressure washer as soon as you haul it out will get a lot of them off. I think this is the easiest way. However, if the barnacles are dried up because the hull has been out of the water for even a short while, then I think you just have to get under there and apply a bunch of elbow grease with a scraper and scrape them off. Its a pain in the butt actually, I've never heard of any "miracle method" on this.

[James V]

After scrapong, there is a spray that will dislove most of the butt's. Sorry, I do not remeber which one.

[c130king]

Here is my boat after about 8 weeks in the water at Norfolk, VA (Apr - Jun 07):



and here it is after I scrapped it with a plastic putty knife (3" wide) right after pulling it out:



Then about 2 weeks later I finally got around to pressure washing it and then using car wash soap and sponge. It came pretty clean although there are little round "barncle dimples" left where those buggers had latched on. But my bottom paint is fairly bumpy to begin with so it doesn't really show.

There were a few spots where I didn't get with the putty knife. After two weeks they were totally dried out but the pressure washer took them off fairly easily.

Jim

[Scott]

C-130, you need to look into ablative paint dude!

[c130king]

I am normally a trailer sailor and pull my boat out every time. That was a special occassion for me. And I don't regret it one bit. Best 8 weeks of my entire life...military school/TDY...no family...mostly great weather...easy schedule (out on the water by 3 - 3:30 every day). Only break was about 5 days I was down for my broken steering.

The boat has a "bottom paint" and the PO kept the boat in the water year round (fresh water in Florida). When we pulled it after I bought it, it only had a light layer of green slime after over 1 year in fresh water. I thought it would have been fine since it had a paint job...but 8 weeks in salt water at Norfolk and I had some serious growth.

But you should have seen some of those boats around me that looked as if they hadn't been touched by their owners in over a year. Huge growth of barnacles on everything...even the ropes that were in the water.

I am considering a new bottom paint. But I won't go ablative...I will go hard.

Jim

[Boblee]

After nine weeks in our tropical waters, our boat was not as bad as c130 but it sure took some getting off.
Started with a scraper but then used a 10% hydrocloric acid mix (Muriatic acid) after washing and wiping down with a rag.
Finally any dimples left just used a small paint scraper lightly and some 1200 wet and dry until we head North next year where it will possibly be on the water for 3 months will be just waxing for small trips down South but will paint with international longlife prior to launching up there.
The acid sizzles most off and what is left ,even full shells can be either scraped off with a fingernail or a small metal or plastic scraper.
Note if you use the acid wear a mask as it drops and will hurt your throat.
Bob

[WestonW]

Thanks to all for the imput. I have jet cleaned most of the hull, once its done I'll give it the acid wash and a good wash and polish . I'll let you know how we go.

[kmclemore]

FYI, the acid is really nasty on your skin, too. Please use eye and skin protection, and ideally with a light breeze to keep the fumes down (use a fan if you have to).

The easiest and safest way to apply muriatic acid is with a stainless steel or polypropylene garden sprayer. The wand will get you farther enough away from the caustic fumes.

[c130king]

Another paint question:

I contacted the PO and asked him about the paint. He told me the paint is not "anti foul" paint but is an epoxy barrier coat...I did not know that. Thus I had the big barnacle problem (as seen above). He said the epoxy barrier coat is four coats (alternated between white and grey to ensure complete coverage) and as far as he understands it should last for a long time.

Does that sound right? An epoxy barrier coat will last longer than an "anti fouling" type of paint?

He said I could paint an anti-foul over the top of the barrier coat if I planned on leaving it in the water.

Jim

[parrothead]

The purpose of an epoxy barrier coat is to prevent water from penetrating the gel coat [and causing osmotic blisters]. It is an essential "undercoat" to the proper application of anti-fouling bottom paint, and should be a one-time job.

[puggsy]

I have to agree with Scott...Ablative anti fouling, and not just an ordinary ' bottom paint'.

Also it should have been pressure cleaned immediately...A pressure unit will blow off most while they are 'green' and damp.

Even withing five or six hours is O.K. Next day is not so good. Puggsy

[Scott]

Yep, our boat would have a 3-4 "Beard" about 6'below the waterline and ould be clean by the time we motored out of the marina.