How to Remove Barnacles

Last Updated: October 2, 2024 References

If you're the owner of a boat, it's very likely that you've encountered the problem of barnacles adhering to the hull of your ship. While many mariners choose to leave the creatures where they are, barnacles can actually create considerable drag for your boat, slowing you down and costing you in fuel. Read the following article to learn how to remove barnacles safely and effectively from your boat.

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Barnacles can only be removed when the boat is still moored if you have the proper diving equipment.
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3
Remove larger barnacles with a plastic putty knife. ^{[1]
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- Start with a plastic knife so there is less chance of gouging or scraping the hull of your boat. If it is ineffective against the barnacles, move up to a metal knife with dull edges.
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^{[2]
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Research source} Allow your boat several weeks to dry, if possible, before pressure washing.
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6
Spray parallel to the boat hull rather than directly at the barnacles. You want to get underneath the edge of each barnacle. Focus on small patches until you've pressure washed the entirety of the boat. ^{[3]
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- This pressure washing process will likely remove some of the paint on your boat. You should be prepared, therefore, to repaint after a thorough pressure washing.
  
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After applying, scrape off remaining barnacle plates with your plastic or dull-edged metal knife.
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This will make cleaning barnacles off your boat that much easier in the future.
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Will freshwater kill barnacles?

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No, it will not.

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How large can barnacles grow?

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Some can grow as large as seven centimeters or more.

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Can I use oxalic acid to clean barnacle spots on a fiberglass boat?

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According my experience, oxalic acid works only for algae and microscopic organisms, not for barnacles.

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Barnacles live and grow in salt water. Be aware you are at increased risk for barnacles if you travel or moor your boat in salt water.

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To effectively prevent against barnacle buildup, paint your boat hull with an antifouling paint. Copper oxide is toxic to barnacles and will deter them from adhering to your boat. Repaint your boat when you notice the paint job starting to flake or you see the start of barnacles adhering to your boat.

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Get rid of barnacles as soon as possible. Barnacles are living organisms, and the longer they are allowed to grow on your boat's hull, the stronger the adhesion will be.

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Warnings

Wear protective eyewear whenever you're pressure washing. Barnacles dislodged by the pressure washer can fly unpredictably and with great force.

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Wear heavy-duty rubber gloves when removing barnacles. The shells can be sharp and some of the chemicals used to get barnacles off can be caustic. You want to protect your hands from these potential dangers.

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Things You'll Need

Rubber gloves
Protective eyewear
Stainless steel scrubber
Plastic putty knife
Metal knife (with dulled edges)
Pressure washer
Hydrochloric acid
Lime remover
Copper-based paint

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