Getting bio-**** out of a log impeller - any suggestions

[Fossil]

Pulled the impeller (finally) after the speed indicator stopped working.

The paddlewheel was, of course totally gunged up with biota (barnacles, I think, not sure). Lots of gritty, sticky stuff. Very difficult to get off, while crouched in the forepeak.

Anyone have any recommended cleaning strategies? I have scraped, poked and prodded as much of the stuff I can get free and the paddlewheel now rotates fairly freely, but still doesn't look totally clean.

Have thought about using one of the commercially available spray-on biocides, but I'm not sure a) if it will work on marine growth and b) what it might do to the electronics. I suppose the answer is going to be to pull the impeller after every trip, which is a pain as it involves taking up the carpet in the forepeak each time.

 

[cmedsailor]

Leave it in a glass of white vinegar for one night and by the next morning will be completely clean.

 

[Jabs]

And grease it lightly before refitting!

This should give you a few more weeks!

Tony

 

[Otter]

What sort if grease do you use?

 

[cmedsailor]

A little bit of antifouling (carefully applied only on the blades) works well too after cleaning. I have never used grease (didn't know that).

 

[phatcat1]

I have an old toothbrush and an old plastic measuring jug in the bilge with it. Simply pull up, give a light brushing and stick it back in.

I also take log out when we return to the berth on a Sunday night, and pop back in when we set off anywhere the following weekend. Saves a lot of cleaning.

 

[MM5AHO]

Some people fear taking the log out while the boat's in the water. In harbour (marina, mooring etc) I don't see this as a great risk. At worst might have to use one of the wooden conical bungs we have aboard, but the blanking plug that comes with the log unit seems to do a good job - watertight.
I use a dishwashing brush, left in the bilge just for that purpose. Stiff bristles cleans up the impellor and surrounds quite well. Light grease (any will do) after and put back in the hole.

 

[vyv_cox]

A little bit of antifouling (carefully applied only on the blades) works well too after cleaning. I have never used grease (didn't know that).

Eroding types don't last long, the speed of the impeller through the water cleans it off quickly. Hard works for longer but Velox prop antifouling is superb. Not a bit of fouling in two months, the prop and P bracket has none either. It is expensive but a small tin will last for several years

 

[cmedsailor]

Eroding types don't last long, the speed of the impeller through the water cleans it off quickly. Hard works for longer but Velox prop antifouling is superb.

I guess you are right. I am using the same hard antifouling as for the hull (though for the last time; it's horrible not to clean the hull by itself even though I move the boat a lot and I will change to self polishing next time) and it lasts for around 3 months in the Med.