At the carwash I made a discovery and it was not one to be welcomed. As it turns out the immutable laws of boats dictate that even a short trip at highway speeds converts the recently wet and slimy stuff on the boat’s bottom into something dry, hard, and vile.
About 22 years ago, I left well-paid employment in the wake of 9/11 and went to work as research and marketing director for a chemical company that had developed a "miracle" coating designed to prevent barnacle and growth development.
Our initial results looked good, at least for the New York area. The barnacles were not able to adhere to the environmentally friendly gel. In real world speak, that means nontoxic. When we gave out samples at the New York Boat Show, we emphasized that the product was experimental. Several of the volunteers took it to Florida. About 6 weeks later, they had a fine crop of barnacles and other opportunistic growth. Boy, did we get damage suits for the cost of haulout and removal. One "victim" even tried to get us to pay for a coat of regular bottom paint.
The company tried a couple of other formulations, finally going to a harder formulation using an epoxy-like material. I tried to get them to reverse course and go back to gels. They had brought me in for my maritime background and ignored what I had to say.
It seems that barnacle larvae exude an acid etching glue when they land on a surface. This gives them a strong attachment to the surface, making them very hard, as you discovered, to remove. The harder the substrate, the stronger the adhesion. If it's any consolation, they are no easier to remove when the boat has just been hauled.
Barnacles and Brubeck. Of course there's a relationship. My father bought an LP of Time Out when it was released, or shortly thereafter. I was eleven years old. The music stuck to me like the stuff that holds a barnacle to a boat bottom. But unlike the scaly pest, Brubeck's music soothes in a way that is largely unexplainable. I listen regularly to this day.
PROBLEM solved!!! Anytime I’m with Cousin B.Frank I just hang on for “the Ride!”…..He ALWAYS covers the full genre be it land or sea….one hopes to just survive “the Honor of the Occasion!”…..Barnacles, weather, Federales, Good Music,……No Problemos!!!
That was a good read, man. Thank you. I have an album that takes me straight to the waters between Cedros island and turtle bay ("Nomad" aboriginal/electronic music) An awesome sail on a mainsail we had sewn back together in Cedros after it gave up the ghost rounding the inside of cedros in a hell of a blow. Good times.
When will we hear from Mrs B. Frank Franklin?
Only she can reveal the whole details and the truth of B. Frank Franklin story’s. !!
Sincerely Perc Sane the 2nd
About 22 years ago, I left well-paid employment in the wake of 9/11 and went to work as research and marketing director for a chemical company that had developed a "miracle" coating designed to prevent barnacle and growth development.
Our initial results looked good, at least for the New York area. The barnacles were not able to adhere to the environmentally friendly gel. In real world speak, that means nontoxic. When we gave out samples at the New York Boat Show, we emphasized that the product was experimental. Several of the volunteers took it to Florida. About 6 weeks later, they had a fine crop of barnacles and other opportunistic growth. Boy, did we get damage suits for the cost of haulout and removal. One "victim" even tried to get us to pay for a coat of regular bottom paint.
The company tried a couple of other formulations, finally going to a harder formulation using an epoxy-like material. I tried to get them to reverse course and go back to gels. They had brought me in for my maritime background and ignored what I had to say.
It seems that barnacle larvae exude an acid etching glue when they land on a surface. This gives them a strong attachment to the surface, making them very hard, as you discovered, to remove. The harder the substrate, the stronger the adhesion. If it's any consolation, they are no easier to remove when the boat has just been hauled.
Barnacles and Brubeck. Of course there's a relationship. My father bought an LP of Time Out when it was released, or shortly thereafter. I was eleven years old. The music stuck to me like the stuff that holds a barnacle to a boat bottom. But unlike the scaly pest, Brubeck's music soothes in a way that is largely unexplainable. I listen regularly to this day.
PROBLEM solved!!! Anytime I’m with Cousin B.Frank I just hang on for “the Ride!”…..He ALWAYS covers the full genre be it land or sea….one hopes to just survive “the Honor of the Occasion!”…..Barnacles, weather, Federales, Good Music,……No Problemos!!!
Transportive. Thanks…
Any day with a visit from B. Frank Franklin is a good day indeed! Thanks for making this a very good day. Merry Christmas!
That was a good read, man. Thank you. I have an album that takes me straight to the waters between Cedros island and turtle bay ("Nomad" aboriginal/electronic music) An awesome sail on a mainsail we had sewn back together in Cedros after it gave up the ghost rounding the inside of cedros in a hell of a blow. Good times.