Let's Talk Barnacle Removal.......

emoney

emoney

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2010
Messages
2,551
Well, actually, the title should've read, "How about you guys giving me suggestions for barnacle removal?". That would've been more appropriate. The short version of the story is this;
I picked up a jet boat in trade the other day that had spent a few months in Tampa Bay and if you know anything about this area, then you know that means the bottom of the hull was covered in barnacles when it was pulled. It's a Sugar Sand Mirage with 120 Merc Jet in it and PO power washed all he could get off, however, there's still weigh too much debris on the hull. The plate has got it's share too, so I'm looking for suggestions as to the best to way to remove them. I know that I can get on my back and take a scraper and have at it, but I'm hoping there's a chemical or two that will ease this job. I've heard of using "muratic acid", but I don't know anything about that chemical, nor do I know where to even get it. Hopefully, someone has encountered this little issue and has a great idea. Thanks:D
 
L

levi_tsk

Ensign
Joined
Dec 26, 2010
Messages
907
Re: Let's Talk Barnacle Removal.......

lol emoney

muriatic acid is a pool cleaner additive and youd get it at a pool cleaning supply store (walmart USED to sell it) and yes i could see where that would probably disove the shells on those little boogers pretty well BUT AND THIS IS A BIG BUT its some nasty nasty stuff, like eats your skin nasty so if you try it wear rubber gloves and MAKE SURE you dont get it on any aluminum or it will eat it in a manner of mins and id keep a healthy supply of baking soda to neutralize it very handy
my advise is give it a whirl but be aware that your messing with some right nasty stuff

id go about it this way:
get two pump garden sprayers
fill one with half strength muriatic acid (pour the acid into the water NOT visa versa distilled is best b/c it wont react with the acid)

fill the other most of the way full of distilled water and pour a regular sized box of baking soda into it and shake it up until its mostly dissolved

spray with the acid and have your baking soda mix ready let it sit for a min or two if its does ANYTHING weird hose it down with the baking soda and then flush with water from the hose

the acid SHOULD melt em off like butter and leave the fiberglass untouched (it may also strip any oxidization off the finish as an added bonus) but like i said start slow and make sure it doesnt get on any aluminum

let me know how it goes ive got a few ive been thinking about trying it on and im more than glad to let you guniea pig it for me first :D
 
emoney

emoney

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2010
Messages
2,551
Re: Let's Talk Barnacle Removal.......

Thanks for tips folks. I may try all the suggestions and then post a follow-up as to which ones worked the best. What about for the "plate thingy"? (you see how much I know about these little jet boats, don't you) I'm sure it's probably just painted aluminum, is the CLR safe for that since the Muratic acid isn't? The clamshell on the jet drive, for instance, is caked pretty good on the inside. I'm assuming I can remove that and use some to get them off there. Man, if you're anywhere near a dock that has even a little current, you are in store for some nastys and bunches of them.
 
Beefer

Beefer

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
1,737
Re: Let's Talk Barnacle Removal.......

emoney said:
What about for the "plate thingy"? (you see how much I know about these little jet boats, don't you) I'm sure it's probably just painted aluminum, is the CLR safe for that since the Muratic acid isn't?
Click to expand...

I would think the CLR would be pretty safe, seeing how it gets used on things we eat/drink from, and I'm sure it isn't 100% gone after rinsing. In all honesty, I didn't feel like the CLR really helped that much; the scraper and elbow grease is what I think really did it for me.

emoney said:
Man, if you're anywhere near a dock that has even a little current, you are in store for some nastys and bunches of them.
Click to expand...

Ain't that the truth! I had mine tied to the dock last week for about 5 hours waiting for the tide to come in so I could get her on the lift, and I noticed stuff had already started grabbing on! I was amazed, but the water temp has been 80+, so it's to be expected.
 
Frank Acampora

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Let's Talk Barnacle Removal.......

Muriatic is a commercial name for Hydrochloric acid. As stated above: very nasty stuff when concentrated. Rubber gloves and protective clothing a must and if possible a respirator or fume mask. Concentrated fumes WILL damage your lungs. Try other methods first.
 
H

H20Rat

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
5,204
Re: Let's Talk Barnacle Removal.......

As an owner of 3 different sugar sand jet boats, I can tell you make absolutely sure you check stator and lower unit oil before using that. If its spent that much time in the water continously, there is a pretty good chance there is water in the stator oil. Leaving them in constantly isn't really recommended because of where stuff can grow (inside the pump) and also the bellows on the control cables can easily spring a leak. You will want to pull the pump apart entirely anyway to check oil, so you can clean it at that point.

The bucket thing is the reverse bucket, that comes off first (should move with the throttle). Next is the steering nozzle, followed by the wear ring, and finally the impeller. (impeller doesn't even need to come off unless it is dinged up)
 
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