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High-Pressure Barnacle Removal for Yachts: Fast, Safe, and Eco-Friendly
Why barnacles hurt performance
Barnacle colonies add roughness and weight, increasing drag, slowing acceleration, and pushing fuel consumption up. Left unchecked, growth can clog intakes, strain engines, and shorten service intervals.
What “high-pressure barnacle removal” actually is
Professional water-jet systems use calibrated pressure, flow, and nozzle geometry to shear barnacles off at the base while preserving coatings. Technicians adjust settings for fiberglass, aluminum, steel, and composites, and use narrow jets for propellers, shafts, rudders, and intakes.
Key advantages
  • Thorough, fast cleaning: Removes barnacles, mussels, algae, and biofilm—including tight clearances and underwater fittings.
  • Protects your hull: Pressure is tuned to safeguard gelcoat, paint, and barrier coats—no gouging or abrasion.
  • Eco-responsible: Water-only method avoids chemicals and limits toxic scrapings entering the marina basin.
  • Immediate performance gains: Lower roughness = lower drag, better speed, and reduced fuel burn.
When to book the service
  • Noticeable loss of speed or higher throttle to hold cruise
  • Rising fuel use or engine temps from restricted cooling water
  • After long layups, warm-season mooring, or growth-prone berths in Boka Bay
Our process at yachtservice.me
  1. Assessment & masking – Identify growth zones, protect sensitive gear, confirm coating system.
  2. Calibrated jetting – Match pressure/flow to your hull material and coating.
  3. Detail work – Precision nozzles for props, rudders, thrusters, strainers, and inlets.
  4. Rinse & inspect – Verify clean adhesion points; document before/after.
  5. Protection plan – Optional application of non-toxic antifouling or ceramic topcoat to slow re-growth.
Pair it with non-toxic antifouling
High-pressure cleaning restores a smooth baseline. Non-biocide or foul-release systems then make it harder for larvae to attach, extending the clean-hull window and reducing haul-outs over the season.
Aftercare & preventative tips
  • Rinse waterline and running gear after trips.
  • Schedule light-growth touch-ups mid-season.
  • Keep strainers clear; monitor engine temps and flow alarms.
  • Log fuel-at-cruise before/after—use the delta to time your next clean.
Compliance in Montenegro marinas
Our methods meet local environmental guidelines across Kotor Bay, Tivat, Budva, Herceg Novi, and Sveti Stefan. Containment and filtration practices minimize runoff and protect marine habitats.
FAQs
Will it damage my paint or gelcoat?
No—pressure and standoff distance are adjusted per coating spec and substrate.
Can you do running gear only?
Yes. Props, shafts, trim tabs, rudders, and bow/stern thrusters are common “performance hotspots.”
How long does it last?
Duration depends on water temperature, mooring, and usage. Adding a foul-release layer meaningfully extends the interval.
At yachtservice.me, certified technicians deliver calibrated high-pressure barnacle removal that protects your coatings, restores speed, and lowers fuel burn—backed by clear documentation and a preventative plan.
Explore our fleet in Tivat
Request your charter quote.
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