Barancle removal from Stern Drives?

Question

Hi,

I have a 32ft sports cruiser with twin engines and Volvo DPS legs. They are 3 years old and were last cleaned, services and antifouled 8months ago.

Last week I inspected them in the water and used a soft brush to remove dirt and slime of them. I noticed a few barnacles attached on both legs. Possibly about 10 to 15 on each leg.

I've had some conflicting advice on what to do.

1. Remove the boat out of the water and remove them and reapply antifoul

2. Leave them till the next scheduled service (4 months time)

3. Break them up in the water and do nothing else.... this one I totally disagree with as it will damage the underlying surface exposing the raw metal.

As you probably have gathered I'm new to this and really would love to hear first hand experiences. It's always the best.

Appreciate any help.

Steve

Answer 1

they will not cause harm, wait until your next haulout to remove them.  make sure the out drives are painted with an outdrive paint and not an antifouling bottom paint. the drives must be sanded and primed with paint specially formulated for outdrives and then apply the finish paint like Trilux. be sure to use new zincs before launching.

Answer 2

Consider waiting til next service if you're not losing too much speed.  Have the drives cleaned, sanded ...and new anti-fouling sich as Tri-lux(mentioned earlier). Sure...check your zincs but they have nothing to do with barnacle growth...they are for galvanic and electrolytic protection.

With fresh anti-fouling applied...give it further support by applying a liberal coat of heavy wax like carnuba...wax your props as well...another excellent product which is very slipery is Holmenkol. Believe it or not...diaper or sunburn cream containing high amounts of zinc works great as well...so long as it's the thick stuff.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

wait to the next service  and then ask for a better grade of antifoul to be used     Alternatively if you are in seawater take a trip into freshwater or vice versa  Barnacles and other underwater boat inhabitants dont like this

Answer 4

Just have them cleaned next service its what most do.