How to Remove Barnacles From a Hull Underwater
The ocean wreaks havoc on your boat. Not only do you have to worry about algae and seaweed tangles, but also you have to protect your ship from barnacles on the hull. Once you remove your boat from the water and barnacles harden, they become more labor intensive to remove. Before giving barnacles the opportunity to harden, remove them from your hull. According to madmariner.com, the buildup of barnacles on your hull can reduce your boat's speed and cause the engine to consume more fuel.
Instructions
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Put on diving equipment according to instructions. Make sure you have enough air in your diving tank for a thorough cleaning under your boat.
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Locate barnacles on the hull. Use a plastic putty knife or hull scraper to reach under the barnacle and scrape it away from the hull's surface. Do not use a metal scraper or putty knife, which can damage the hull's paint and surface. Continue to scrape away any barnacles on the hull until there are none left.
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Use a mildly abrasive scrub pad to remove any remnants of the barnacles after you have scraped them off the hull's surface. Do not use a metal or highly abrasive scrub pad because this can also damage your hull's surface.
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Tips & Warnings
Painting the bottom of your boat with a copper oxide can prevent barnacles from sticking in the future.
Always observe dive safety when swimming under your boat. Turn off your motor and make sure no other boats will be in the immediate area. Place a dive flag near your boat so that passing boats are aware of a diver in the water.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
