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Mike Vaccaro
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/08/2002 : 07:36:57

Since I had to spend the summer overseas, my boat sat at her dock for just over three months while I was gone. Unfortunately, I forgot to remove the impeller for the brand new speedo we installed last spring. The anti-fouling paint did its job and the bottom was in good shape, save for some slime growth, but the small plastic impeller became home to three small barnacles (go figure). I installed the dummy plug and brought the impeller assembly home. An all-night soak in vinager did the trick with a bit of scraping. I was suprised at how effective the mild acid was. It didn't disolve the barnacles, but softened them to the point that removal was quite easy and had no ill effects on the plastic parts.

Just thought I'd pass this on...

Mike Vaccaro on the "Swoose"
84 TR/SK #4707

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 10/08/2002 : 12:45:10

When I bought my first boat the bottom was covered in growth because the DPO never put any antifouling on the bottom of the boat. At first I tried scrubbing it off but that was getting me nowhere. Then a friend said to try toilet bowl cleaner. I went to Home Depot and bought a gallon jug of Zep toilet bowl cleaner(with the fresh scent <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle> ) and, using a paintbrush, put it on the hull. This toilet bowl cleaner has the consistency of thick gravy and it will cling even to the underside of the hull. After letting the toilet bowl cleaner work it's magic for about 15-20 minutes, I effortlessly washed the gunk from the hull. On more stubborn organic stains I let the cleaner sit longer and, before rinsing the toilet bowl cleaner off, I use a green scrubby pad to remove the stains, then wash the spot with soap and water. The label says "Do not use on sinks, bathtubs, or any enameled surfaces. Avoid contact with chrome and other decorative metal surfaces. Avoid contact with carpeting."

As always, before using any chemicals on your boat test it on an inconspicuous area of your boat to make sure it is safe to use.

<img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle> Note: Toilet bowl cleaner is an acid(Hydrochloric) so wear eye protection, rubber gloves, and cover exposed skin. If you get any on your skin, simply rinse it off with water.

Don Lucier, North Star
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - dlucier on 10/08/2002 13:36:00

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Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 10/08/2002 : 20:08:27

Hey Mike,
That good thinking. I have a half gallon of vinegar I keep aboard for a cleaner. But I had forgotten the ole' egg in vinegar trick we learned in sixth grade where the egg shell turns rubbery. My paddle wheel knotmeter is never used for the same reason.

Safe voyages,
Ben, FL s/v Chick-a-pea C250wk

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ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 10/08/2002 : 20:16:56

Too many years ago as a young fellow I hauled out a just-bought boat on a marine railway. Started to scrape the forest of barnacles, very hard going. The old gent who ran the yard came over, went away and came back with bleach and an old paintbrush. Sez he: "try putting this on, then go have a beer." By the time I got back, the barnacles had relaxed their grip on the bottom (and on life, I presume) and were much easier to remove. Fair winds, ron sr sk Orion #2343 in SW FL

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.