Barnacle removal

[Lollygag1]

What does the group recommend to get rid of barnacle parts stuck to my skeg and prop? I scraped them off but there is still residue. What’s the best solution besides grinding

 

[Mac G]

I scrap with a plastic ice scraper and hand sand with 80 grit.

 

[Max Simmons]

2 years ago at haulout, I pulled the props and soaked them in a vinegar bath for 2 days then scrubbed them with scothbrite pads, worked great.

 

[Pocoron]

Pretty much any acidic solution will dissolve barnacles. The stronger the acidity of the solution, the quicker the shell(s) will dissolve. I have a commercial spray-on product on board which is very effective but I cannot remember the name of the product. Remember to use appropriate PPE when using acidic products - it plays hell on your eyes, lungs or skin.

 

[Shrew]

1) Scrape everything with a 2" putty knife.

2) Wipe down the base/disks left behind with Mary Kate On/Off Hull Cleaner. Muriatic acid will work too.

3) I use a brass wire wheel on a drill to remove the rest.

 

[O C Diver]

Muriatic acid is my weapon of choice. The bronze all thread and hardware that holds the anode plate on the transom, needs to be cleaned every haulout. Pretty easy to do with a plastic syringe and a small amount of acid. The hardware goes in a plastic cup with acid. Rince off with fresh water when done. This technique also works well on the bronze skeg.

Ted

 

[jleonard]

I also used muriatic acid. Scrape the barnacles off with a putty knife, then i would brush on the acid to dissolve the bodies. Then rinse with water.

 

[Greg QS]

Grinder with wire wheel , not the cup kind. Works the best and fastest. Some times you got to do what you have to do.

 

[Portage_Bay]

What does the group recommend to get rid of barnacle parts stuck to my skeg and prop? I scraped them off but there is still residue. What’s the best solution besides grinding

I have found strong vinegar to be effective. I use 30% vinegar which can often be found among the weed killer products. It quickly softens the barnacle "foot prints" making removal easier. This isn't anything like table vinegar at 5%. Wear gloves and eye protection.