Barnacles on the bow thruster propeller

[PMR#47]

We just hauled out our R25 for the season and notices barnacles in the bow thruster port and on the thruster blades too. What is the best way to eliminate these barnacles? Is a disassembly required and if so are there detailed instructions on how to do this without creating a bigger problem?

Please advise,

 

[Jared Dunning]

I don’t know much about the best ways to prevent barnacles from attaching to the boat, but I can help with removing the prop. The prop can be taken off with an Allen wrench. Place a small piece of wood or a tool against the prop to keep it from turning, then back the bolt out—you should be able to remove it fairly easily.