Join us as we take a closer look at the factors to consider when antifouling your boat – whether it is the first bottom paint for a new yacht, or if it is time to repaint an older boat.
What is Antifouling Paint?
Chao Lay being hauled out in 2016.
Antifouling paint (also called bottom paint) is a layer of paint that is applied to the area on and below the waterline. It stops aquatic organisms, such as barnacles and weeds, from growing on your boat. Originally, the paint was made from tin, but this proved to be bad for the environment. Nowadays, tin based paints have been replaced by copper based paint. There are also a number of specially designed low content copper, eco-friendly paints available.
Who Needs To Use Antifouling Paint?
If you keep your boat in the water for the majority of the year then you need to apply bottom paint to avoid growth. However, boat owners who store their vessels on land and put them in the water for short periods of time, do not need to antifoul their boat (wax and regular cleaning is sufficient in this case). Note: Once bottom paint has been applied to a boat, it must be regularly removed and/or reapplied.
What Type Of Bottom Paint Should You Use?
Ablative (Self-polishing) Paint
Pros:
- No buildup of old paint to remove due to self-cleaning mechanism.
- As long as you can see it on your hull it is working!
Cons:
- Not good for boats that remain stationary for extended periods (paint doesn’t wear off and remove organisms as intended).
- Not good for fast moving boats as paint wears off too quickly.
- May not be adequate protection for your cruising location.
Hard Paint
Pros:
- Tough, hard coating that doesn’t wear away – good for fast boats.
- Can be polished – great for racing!
Cons:
- Hard work to remove.
- Hull will need to be completely stripped eventually as layers of paint will crack.
Hybrid Paint
Pros:
- No buildup of old paint to remove due to self-cleaning mechanism.
- As long as you can see it on your hull it is working!
- Tough, hard coating that doesn’t wear away – good for fast boats.
- Can be polished – great for racing!
Cons:
- May not be adequate protection for your cruising location.
A good looking bottom!
Choosing The Right Brand Of Antifouling Paint
There are so many antifouling paints to choose from, that one can get easily confounded. The best way to find out which brand of paint works best in your location is to talk to other experienced water users, such as your local boatyard manager or other long-term boat owners.
Be aware that different weather, water temperatures, and usage will effect what brand/type of bottom paint you use. A boat sailing on the south coast of England will require different products to one cruising in the Caribbean.
How To Apply Bottom Paint
Chao Lay heading back in for the season!
The easiest solution to getting your bottom painted is to take it to a boatyard and ask a professional to do it! That said, if you like to work on your boat yourself (like us!) then you can haul out and put in some elbow grease.
For new or unpainted boats, application is easy… just follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions.
If your boat is already painted, you need to consider if the new paint is compatible with the old paint – otherwise you will need to strip the hull completely. Compare paint manufacturer’s guidelines or email them for further information. Make sure to properly prepare your surface by sanding – new paint is only as good as the old paint underneath it!
Now it’s time to splash back in and enjoy sailing the beautiful waterways of the world…