If not cared for over time, adult barnacles can become a nuisance causing your boat’s speed to decrease which can end up costing you more money for fuel. Barnacle removal should be included in your routine boat maintenance. Here are some very excellent tips according to an article on eHow on how to remove these marine crustaceans from being permenantly attached to your boat:
Barnacle removal
- Power wash away the barnacles thoroughly. It is suggested you just rent one or hire a professional for the job.
- A putty knife can assist in removing the top of the barnacles. You don’t want to scrape of the base as to avoid damage to your boat.
- Muriatic acid will help dissolve barnacles. Use a brush to scrub off completely. (Be advised that muriatic acid is very dangerous it’s important to have a respirator and protective clothing when applying.)
- Soap and water will help neutralize the muriatic acid so it’s important to wash off with soap and water.
- Again, using the putty knife, scrape off anything left over.
- Apply stain remover
For more tops on maintaining your boat from barnacles check out barnacle removal tips on essortment.com.
Source: eHow
Image: Wikimedia Commons