Barnacles on gelcoat

brokesailor · #1 04-21-2011

My "old boat" is under contract, a 2007 Hunter 36. Out of the survey the potential buyer has asked I removed a cluster of barnacle skeletons off the gellcoat right above the bottom. I figure I can use a scraper to take most of it off but how do I get it totally off without damaging the gelcoat?

Minnewaska · #2 04-21-2011

I fear that no matter what you do, you will be left with evidence they were there. How large an area are we talking? I would want some contractual understanding of the outcome. The buyer can see them there and can't expect it to return to original condition. On the other hand, you should really get them off before marketing the boat, they would naturally be a detraction.

JimsCAL · #3 04-21-2011

On and Off will do a pretty good job of softening them and making removal easy. They even suggest that use in their advertising. It's an acid and will damage the bottom paint, so suggest you protect it a plastic sheet.

brokesailor · #4 04-21-2011

Maybe an area 2" by 8". What is on and off? Is that something I can get at WM? I googled it and nothing related came up.

jimrafford · #5 04-21-2011

West Marine has it. I think it's called Mary Kates on off. It will do the job. It's a acid so make sure your not down wind when you spray it. You don't want it in your eyes.
Jim

Minnewaska · #6 04-21-2011

With such a small area, I would get surgical with a straight edge razor scraper. Be careful, it can dig in.

I wonder why this is an issue for the buyer. Are they going to walk if it doesn't look good when done or are they that picky. Sure, it shouldn't be there, but still seems off a bit.

JimsCAL · #7 04-21-2011

This is the stuff. WM carries it also.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10918|309314|311454&id=14027