Dunn...Coincidence, I too worked in a lab for BP. I was worried about the consequences of using HCL on my aluminum hull but after 5 years of spraying it twice a year I am noticing no pitting. One of the large marinas in our area uses muiratic acid on fiberglass hulls but they do dilute it to keep the fuming down. I may try that this year just to reduce the fumes, it does an amazing job and I don't know anything else that comes even remotely close to keeping my hull this clean. My buddy has barrier coated and antifouling paint on his aluminum hulled Crestliner and it has prevented buildup on his boat as another option.