Helena Frye
Barnacles can create considerable drag for your boat, slowing you down and costing you in fuel. Removing barnacles from a fiberglass hull is strenuous and time-consuming, but the sooner you do it, the less time barnacles will have to grow and multiply. You can start by using a pressure washer or scrub brush to knock off soft growth, then use a scraper to remove the remaining barnacles. You can also apply a calcium remover or a mild acid to dissolve the remaining parts of the husks. Finally, wash the hull with a fiberglass-safe boat wash and apply at least two coats of boat wax to slow the regrowth of barnacles.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Barnacle removal tools | Pressure washer, scrub brush, scraper (plastic, wood, or metal), stainless steel scrubber, plastic/metal knife |
| Barnacle removal products | Algae Strip, Waterline Stain Remover, Boat Scrub, Green Genie, hull cleaner, calcium remover, hydrochloric acid, lime remover, Boat Clean Plus, Marine Power Mitt, VS721 Bottom Coat, Premium Boat Shine |
| Protective gear | Protective eyewear, heavy-duty rubber gloves |
| Post-removal steps | Rinse with water, apply rubbing compound and polish, clean with fiberglass-safe boat wash, apply boat wax |
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What You'll Learn
Use a pressure washer to remove soft growth
Using a pressure washer is an effective way to remove soft growth, algae, slime, and other organic matter from the hull of a fiberglass boat. However, it is important to exercise caution when using a pressure washer to avoid potential damage to the boat's surface and electronic components.
Firstly, it is recommended to use a pressure washer with a fan setting between 10 and 20 degrees. Using a more pinpoint setting can cause damage to the gelcoat, and it is best to avoid spraying electronics and electrical connections. Keep the nozzle at least 4 to 6 inches away from the hull to prevent accidental damage.
When using a pressure washer, it is important to avoid using excessive pressure. A small electric pressure washer generating 1,000 to 1,500 lbs of pressure is generally sufficient. More powerful pressure washers, such as those with a psi of 2200 or 3500 lbs of pressure, can be too strong and may cause damage to the boat's surface.
In addition to the pressure washer settings, the type of soap or cleaner used is also important. A mix of 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner can be effective for removing organic stains without damaging the gelcoat. Boat cleaning soap or a mild degreasing formula can also be used, followed by a thorough rinse to remove all soap and debris.
It is worth noting that pressure washing may not be effective for removing young, underdeveloped barnacles. In such cases, manual scraping with a plastic scraper or wooden spatula may be necessary to avoid damaging the hull's paintwork or gelcoat.
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$25.95
Scrape off barnacles with a plastic or wooden tool
To scrape off barnacles with a plastic or wooden tool, start by removing the boat from the water. Barnacles can only be removed when the boat is still moored if you have the proper diving equipment. Move the boat and trailer away from the water's edge to avoid polluting the water. Next, use a pressure washer or scrub brush to knock off as much soft growth, algae, slime, and other buildup as possible. You can also try using a handheld, stainless-steel scrubber to scrub gently until only the ship's hull remains visible.
When scraping off barnacles with a plastic or wooden tool, it is important to use a scraper that is stiff enough to remove the barnacles without scratching the fiberglass. Start with a plastic scraper to minimize damage to the fiberglass. If the barnacle buildup is severe, you may need to use a stronger, stiffer metal scraper. Work the scraper under the edge of the barnacle to pry it off, keeping the scraper as flat to the surface of the hull as possible to avoid gouging into the fiberglass.
After removing the barnacles, carefully scrape away the circular calcium foundation they leave behind, known as a husk. Remove as much of the husks as possible with the scraper without damaging the gelcoat or paint. If necessary, apply a calcium remover or a mild acid such as oxalic or phosphoric acid to remove any remaining husks. Apply the chemical to the husks, let it penetrate, and then rinse away with water. You may need to repeat this step several times to remove all traces of the husks.
Finally, once all the barnacles and husks are removed, clean the hull with a fiberglass-safe boat wash, wait for it to dry, and then apply at least two coats of boat wax. This will slow the regrowth of barnacles and help protect your hull.
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Apply a calcium remover or a mild acid
Removing barnacles from a fiberglass boat is a strenuous and time-consuming job. The longer barnacles are left to grow on your boat, the stronger their adhesion will be, so it's best to get started as soon as possible. Once you've scraped off as many barnacles as you can, you'll likely be left with a lot of barnacle residue, known as husks or barnacle rings. To remove this residue, you can apply a calcium remover or a mild acid.
Oxalic or phosphoric acid, found in hull cleaners, can be used to remove the husks that don't scrape off. Apply the chemical to the husks, let it penetrate them, and then rinse away with water. You may need to apply the chemical a couple of times and gently scrub with a nylon brush to remove all the husks. In extreme circumstances, a hull cleaner or calcium remover may not be strong enough to remove thick beds of husks, in which case a stronger acid may be required. Muriatic acid or hydrochloric acid (HCI) can be used to remove husks, but these are much more caustic acids and the utmost care must be taken to protect your boat from permanent damage. It is recommended that these stronger acids only be used by professionals.
Before applying any chemicals, be sure to wear protective eyewear and heavy-duty rubber gloves. The shells of barnacles can be sharp, and the chemicals used to remove them can be caustic. You want to protect your hands and eyes from these potential dangers.
To restore the finish and protect your hull, wash the entire hull with Boat Clean Plus and then scrub with Boat Scrub. You can use a Marine Power Mitt for this step to cut down on labour and avoid scratching your hull. If the fiberglass is oxidized, rub away the oxidation with Boat Scrub and a soft cloth, working in small sections at a time.
To protect your boat from future barnacle infestations, apply two coats of VS721 Bottom Coat below the waterline and Premium Boat Shine on the hull. You can use VS721 Bottom Coat on all underwater surfaces, including the sterndrive, but not on the props as it's so slippery it will cause the props to cavitate and you will lose speed. Try to get the VS721 Bottom Coat as far into the sterndrive water intakes and through-hull fittings as possible. This will inhibit future attachments of barnacles and algae.
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Wash the hull and assess damage
Once you've removed the barnacles from your fiberglass boat, it's time to wash the hull and assess the damage they've left behind. This is an important step to ensure your boat's performance and protection.
Start by giving the hull a thorough wash. Use a product specifically designed for this purpose, such as Boat Clean Plus, and follow the instructions on the packaging. This will help remove any remaining barnacle residue, dirt, and grime. If you're dealing with stubborn stains, you can use a product like Boat Scrub and a soft cloth or T-shirt material to gently rub them away. Remember to work in small sections at a time.
If you find any scuff marks, rust stains, or other stubborn stains that won't come off with the initial cleaning, there are additional steps you can take. Try using a marine power mitt, which will help cut down on labour and won't scratch the surface. For deeper stains, a product like Waterline Stain Remover can be applied in the same way as the algae strip.
After cleaning, take the time to assess the damage to the hull. Barnacles can leave behind circular calcium deposits called husks, which can be challenging to remove. Inspect the hull for any remaining husks and use a scraper to carefully remove them without damaging the gelcoat or paint. If there are any stubborn husks, you may need to apply a calcium remover or a mild acid, such as oxalic or phosphoric acid, found in hull cleaners. Let the chemical penetrate the husks, and then rinse them away with water. You may need to apply the chemical a couple of times and use a nylon brush for gentle scrubbing.
Finally, if the hull has sustained any damage during the barnacle removal process, you can apply a rubbing compound and polish the gelcoat to restore its finish. This will help protect the hull and ensure your boat looks its best.
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Apply a protective coat to prevent future barnacles
After you've removed the barnacles and given your boat a thorough clean, it's time to think about preventative measures to ensure your vessel remains barnacle-free.
One option is to apply a protective coat to the hull of your boat. This will create a barrier that inhibits the future attachment of barnacles and other marine growth. Look for a product that is specifically designed for this purpose, such as VS721 Bottom Coat. This product can be used in both salt and freshwater, provided you keep the slime off by regularly using your boat. The movement of the boat through the water will help keep the hull relatively slime-free. However, it is still important to regularly clean the hull to prevent a build-up of slime, which serves as food for algae and barnacles.
When applying VS721 Bottom Coat, ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions. As a general guide, start at the keel and roll the product onto the hull up to the waterline and back down again until the entire hull is coated. Try to get the product as far into the sterndrive water intakes and through-hull fittings as possible. You can use VS721 Bottom Coat on all underwater surfaces, except for the props, as the product's extreme slipperiness will cause the props to cavitate and result in a loss of speed.
In addition to applying a protective coat, there are other measures you can take to prevent future barnacle growth. For example, regularly cleaning your boat's hull and keeping it free of slime will make it less attractive to barnacles. If you're not using your boat for extended periods, consider lifting it out of the water and storing it on a trailer. This will prevent barnacles from attaching themselves to the hull in the first place.
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