MarinersHow To Effectively Remove Barnacles
Category : Barnacles
If your boat is docked in water for any length of time, you probably have barnacles. Removing these critters can be difficult and time-consuming. There are a few things that you can do to make barnacle removal easier and less of a chore.
Make Sure You Are Insured
Secure a boat insurance policy before removing the barnacles or hiring someone to do it for you. This will help if there is any lasting damage to your boat.
Wear Appropriate Gear
Barnacles are sometimes as sharp as razors and contain bacteria and other microorganisms. It is easy to get an infection if you do not wear gloves, a mask and eye protection.
Wait Until You Are Ready
Do not remove your boat from the water until you are ready to start the barnacle removal. Dry barnacles will adhere to the hull much more tightly, which equals more work and possibly more damage to your boat.
Spray Parallel to the Hull
When using a powerwasher or sprayer, always spray parallel to the hull at a shallow angle. This helps to push the barnacles off from the underside.
Scrape With Plastic or Wood
If you must scrape, use wood or plastic tools. These are less likely to cause further damage to your boat’s hull.
After your hard work, be sure to coat the hull with wax or another anti-barnacle paint or sealant. If you follow these tips, it will be much easier and safer to remove those unwanted barnacles.
