Don’t Let Barnacles Ruin Your Day
When you think of underwater life, barnacles probably aren't the first thing that pops into your head. But these tiny crustaceans can be a real pain for a boat and yacht owners if they're left to do their thing. At Barnacle King, we deal with these little troublemakers daily, so we know firsthand how much of an impact they can have on your yacht's performance and upkeep.
What Exactly Are Barnacles?
Barnacles are small marine crustaceans that glue themselves to just about anything solid underwater—boat hulls, dock pilings, even rocks. They love saltwater, multiply fast, and once they’re on, they’re not letting go without a fight. They secrete this crazy-strong cement that’s one of the toughest natural adhesives out there—which is why you need the right tools and team to get them off properly.
Why Should You Care About Barnacles?
Barnacles might seem harmless at first, but they can cause some serious headaches for boat owners. Here’s why:
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They Slow You Down: Barnacles create drag on your hull, which means your boat moves slower and struggles to perform. Even a small layer of growth can increase resistance by up to 30-40%.
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They Cost You More Fuel: With all that extra drag, your engine has to work harder just to keep up. That means more fuel burned and more money out of your pocket.
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They Wreck Your Bottom Paint: Barnacles latch on tight and damage antifouling paint, leaving your hull vulnerable to even more growth and corrosion.
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They Clog Things Up: Barnacles don’t just stick to hulls—they can attach to propellers, intakes, and other key systems, leading to blockages and mechanical issues.
How Fast Do Barnacles Grow?
If you’re in South Florida’s warm waters, barnacle growth happens fast. Within a few weeks, a clean hull can turn into a barnacle party, especially if your boat is sitting still. That’s why monthly hull cleaning is a must—it keeps the growth in check and avoids bigger problems (and bigger bills) down the road.
How to Keep Barnacles Off Your Boat
The key to beating barnacles is staying ahead of them. Here’s how:
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Schedule Regular Hull Cleanings: At Barnacle King, we recommend monthly cleanings to keep your yacht running smooth. Our divers use top-notch tools to get the job done right without damaging your hull.
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Invest in Quality Bottom Paint: A good antifouling paint creates a barrier that slows barnacle growth.
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Keep Your Boat Moving: Barnacles grow faster on boats that sit still. Taking your yacht out regularly helps keep the critters at bay.
Why Barnacle King Has Your Back
At Barnacle King, we’ve got this down to a science. Our highly-trained divers are pros at safely removing barnacles and keeping your hull in top shape. Plus, we provide detailed dive reports and after-photos so you know exactly what’s going on below the surface. With over 270 5-star Google reviews, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and top-notch service.
Don’t Let Barnacles Ruin Your Day
Staying on top of maintenance means better performance, lower fuel costs, and less hassle. Give Barnacle King a call today to schedule your next hull cleaning—and keep those barnacles off where they belong.
"We Make Yachts Go Faster."