Removing barnacles

[Guest]

I think I've read somehere that vinegar will soften barnacles and hence make it easier to remove them without scratching the surface(waterline) where they sit. Is this correct or is there a better method?

Thanks.

Olav - Norway

 

[ccscott49]

Pressure washer does a great job, no need to soften them, although I guess vinegar would kill them, and the "skeleton" being calcium based, vinegar would dissolve them aswell.

 

[Guest]

Hi and thanks

Must be tougher barnacles here then. In my experience pressure washing removes almost everything from the underwater hull(including parts of the antifouling), except the barnacles. I usually have to scrape them away, leaving scratces on the waterline gelcoat.
Anyway, I will try softening them with vinegar and see how it works.

Olav

 

[ccscott49]

Yes! They must be tough little devils! Probably use a type of epoxy to stick themselves on!

 

[yoda]

If you have to scrape then use a garden hoe while the boat is still wet, lots of power behind two arms makes all the difference. I removed 2 years worth in under 2 hours.

Yoda

 

[andrewbarker]

Vinegar is a v ery dilute acid. Some time ago I bought a spray product (American, I think), which dissolved barnacles very quickly with a huge amount of fizzing and drama. Unfortunately, because it was in a spray container, it was absolutely deadly to use - stinging face, eyes, hands etc. But it did prove the point that acid (it was formic acid) will get rid fast. There are loads of acid cleaning products about. How about teak cleaner (oxalic acid) or GRP hull cleaner (ditto) to have a go?