removing barnacles from prop and hull

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

Moderator: Jim Walsh

Post Reply
Mary Beth Taylor

removing barnacles from prop and hull

Post by Mary Beth Taylor »

Does anyone have a surefire (easy) way to remove barnacles from the prop and hull? I didn't think we had a particularly warm summer last year, but somehow, a few of the critters managed to come aboard and hold on.



mbttaylor@yahoo.com
John Vigor

Re: removing barnacles from prop and hull

Post by John Vigor »

If they're on a hull that was hauled recently, try spraying them with lemon juice. They often fall off of their own accord if you do that.

If they're on a hull that has dried out thoroughly, remove them with a power grinder and fine grit. If you try to lever them off, you could damage the gelcoat.

If they're on a hull that's still in the water, scrape them off gently with a putty knife or small scraper.

If you're in warm water, and want to keep your prop barnacle-free between uses, do what the racing guys do--tie a black plastic bag over it. Tie one on the tiller at the same time to remind yourself to take the black bag off the prop before trying to motor anywhere.

John Vigor
CD25D "Jabula"



jvigor@qwest.net
John Doyle

Re: removing barnacles from prop and hull

Post by John Doyle »

Mary Beth Taylor wrote: Does anyone have a surefire (easy) way to remove barnacles from the prop and hull? I didn't think we had a particularly warm summer last year, but somehow, a few of the critters managed to come aboard and hold on.
After scraping there will still be glue left where they were attached. This can be removed with muratic acid.
John CD31 #18



redzeplin@yahoo.com
D. Stump, Hanalei

Re: removing barnacles from prop and hull

Post by D. Stump, Hanalei »

Mary Beth,

On & Off hull cleaner will do the trick. It will also polish your prop. Once done, put Stove Black on the prop to keep the critters off, it works!

Be sure to wear proper PPE and wash the On & Off off completely i.e. follow the bottle directions.

I wouldn't recommend grinding, not necessary and to hard on the surface.

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
Post Reply