Barnacles on prop

[chrisso]

I had my aluminium prop cleaned and repaired recently (covered in barnacles) and now a month and half later its again covered in small barnacles, drastically affecting performance. It sits on a Bravo 2 drive in the water, so its a fair way underwater. I was told that barnacles don't grow deeper than 2 feet down but that can't be right as the drive would sit a good 3 feed underwater.

Anyway, whats the easiest way to remove the barnacles while the boats in the water? paint scraper or high-pressure hose, or both? Is it easier to remove them when they're smaller (now about 5mm diameter) or wait until they get a bit bigger?

Also does anybody know if there is anyway to stop them growing, ie. if I put a black canvas bag over the outdrive to block out all sunlight to the prop will that stop them? Antifoul is a waste of time with the number of sandbars where I am.

Thanks in advance

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Barnacles on prop

Using the boat is the best way to keep the prop clean.A brush at this point will work fine.A coat of any kind of paint will make a big difference but it sounds like you are not planning on keeping the paint on it for long.A bag over the prop should be a good fix or you can smear a thin coat of grease on the blades when it will be sitting for a while.Dont wait until they grow,that will only make it worse.Charlie

 

[chrisso]

Re: Barnacles on prop

Thanks. I'll get on them tomorrow. Didn't know they could grow that fast. Hadn't run the boat for about 3 weeks, and it didn't seem that bad then. But I spose it is now summer. Grease seems like a good idea too.

Thanks for your help.

 

[bijou22]

Re: Barnacles on prop

I have the same problem, but found that adding a prop bag does wonders and keeps it clean at all times.

 

[Hank285]

Re: Barnacles on prop

Prop Bag? Never heard of this before. What about the buildup on the entire outdrive. Has anyone put a bag around the whole leg? Does anyone know if anyone makes such a thing? Or tried it? :/
Hank

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Barnacles on prop

why not take a large handle tie, plastic bag and slip over the complete lower unit. like a leaf or contractor bag.

 

[bijou22]

Re: Barnacles on prop

The prop bag I use has been made to fit over my whole drive and pulls tight with a cord which I tie off onto the boat. Works very well, and I get no barnacles at all.
I live in the UK and can let someone have the contact of a supplier if you like?

 

[Hank285]

Re: Barnacles on prop


I live in the UK and can let someone have the contact of a supplier if you like?[/quote]

Sure, Pass it on. Do you have any pics? Thanks

 

[LEADLAP]

Re: Barnacles on prop

If you take the boat out of the water there is a good chance the barnacles will stop growing on your prop.

Really, is this a serious question ??

 

[Hank285]

Re: Barnacles on prop

Yes, It's a serious question. I fight the barnacles as we all do. Any helpful input on this constant battle is worth hearing about. My boat is not trailer able and can’t just be taken out of the water when the feeling strikes.

If you can't be helpful why say anything. Just move on to another post that captivates your knowledge

 

[bijou22]

Re: Barnacles on prop

Anyone who needs a prop bag can contact below:

H Quebed Ltd
54A Colby Road
Burry Port
Llanelli
Carmarthenshire
SA16 ORH
Wales
United Kingdom

Tel: +44(0)1554 785113

Ask for Mark Hoffman, tell him Christian give you his contact details.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Barnacles on prop

If you take the boat out of the water there is a good chance the barnacles will stop growing on your prop.

Really, is this a serious question ??

Are you from another planet? We aint talking the toy boats you play with in the bathtub.

 

[Rock Hall]

Re: Barnacles on prop

There are anti-fouling paints made for outdrives. I have serious barnicle problems. When I pulled the boat this fall, the entire drive was covered. I pulled my drive and plan on sanding it down, apllying primer and then an interlux antifouling paint. It's not a pretty paint from what I understand, but hopefully it will work. As for the prop, I havent found a solution for that. I would think whatever you put on would wear quickly. I have found that if I use the boat on a weekly basis, I can keep the prop fairly clean.

 

[Hank285]

Re: Barnacles on prop

Hey Rock Hall, The Interlux you use did you ever brush it on or do you sprey? Iv always spreyed it on. This year i had allot of growth also. More in late july and August, Im assumeing the water temp adds to the growth rate. But man it gets covered. Im not so concerned about the prop itself as as you say weekly running keeps it in shape. Hey do you ever just clean it off with a brush or other method? I use a plastic scrapper. Would like to use a brush but worry it would take off the antifouling paint. Do you try to clean yours during the season?

 

[LEADLAP]

Re: Barnacles on prop

I guess you ARE serious. Next, tips for keeping the bottom from getting wet while in the water !!

 

[LEADLAP]

Re: Barnacles on prop

Another thing.

You say that Anti- foul paint is out of the question because of the sandbars in your area ? What does that mean, your hitting the sandbars at speeds that it's taking the paint off of the drive ?

Keep working on that "blocking out the sunlight" theory. That sounds like it would be much more effective than the common sense approach of scraping them off, or using the boat more than once a month.

And don't forget to keep measuring them. I'm sure someone can give you the ideal size they have to be before removal.

I'M the one from another planet ?