The Ultimate Guide to Antifouling a Boat
Nothing can be more relaxing and fun than taking your boat out on the water. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, soak up the sun, and create lasting memories with family and friends. However, if your boat is in the water for extended periods, marine organisms like barnacles, algae, and mussels get attached to the hull. These aquatic organisms can affect the performance of the vessel, significantly impacting its speed and fuel efficiency. Moreover, a fouled boat looks unsightly.
Antifouling a boat is a good solution to deal with such problems. If you want to learn about this technique, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will talk about it, why it’s essential and how to antifoul a boat. Let’s carry on.
What is Antifouling?
Often, part of the vessel exposed to water can accumulate marine build-up like algae batch, slime, or barnacles. Antifouling boats help minimise the drag caused by this unwanted growth on the hulls of vessels.
A special paint is applied to underwater surfaces, including the hulls of boats and yachts. This protective layer contains biocides like cuprous oxide (or other copper compounds) to inhibit the growth of these sea creatures. However, these paints have raised concerns about the environmental impact, as some biocides can harm aquatic life. So, it is advisable to consult with an expert like Marine Plus Detailing who can help you with all the details before getting started.
Primarily, this treatment serves two purposes:
Preventing Marine Growth:
The paint prevents mussels and barnacles from attaching to the hull. It helps maintain a smooth surface for enhanced fuel efficiency and overall vessel performance.
Corrosion Protection:
Also, the coating protects metal hulls from corrosion.
What Happens If You Skip Antifouling Your Boat?
Ideally, this treatment may not be necessary for dry-docked boats. However, if you take your boat out in the water, you cannot skip this essential step. The procedure helps maintain the vessel’s performance and longevity. On the other hand, delaying boat antifouling can slow the ship and reduce its overall performance.
Moreover, algae and other creatures can make it difficult to manoeuvre the boat in water. It can cause issues when quick or precise handling is necessary. Also, barnacles and others can damage the hull over time.
Additionally, taking longer breaks between antifouling can increase cleaning and maintenance costs for your vessel. Scraping off marine growth is a labour-intensive and costly process. Therefore, often it’s more economical to maintain a regular treatment plan to ward off the population.
How Often Do You Need to Antifoul a Boat?
Often, mariners schedule the treatments once a year. Dry-docked boats might not need frequent cleaning and maintenance. However, you must check the hull regularly for signs of wear, damage, etc.
If your vessel stays in saltwater for an extended period, it’s wise to opt for the procedure more often. Remember, depending on the extent of damage, you might need to apply a new coat of antifouling boat paint every 12 months.
How Does Antifouling Work to Prevent Marine Growth?
The biocide-infused stain prevents saltwater organisms from colonising boat hulls and underwater structures. It contains biocides (usually copper oxide) that are released gradually into water. The chemical creates an inhospitable environment for marine creatures around the hull and prevents biofouling. There are two main types of paint available used for the procedure:
Hard or Contact Leaching Antifouling:
This formula releases biocide to block fouling organisms from attaching to the hull. These paints don’t wear down and are highly durable. However, silt, salt and sand can gradually scrape the chemicals on the surface. Over time, exposure to abrasive materials can cause a tiny amount of the paint to go away which reduces the thickness of the protective film.
Ablative Bottom Paint:
Like the previous option, it releases biocides to inhabit fouling. However, the formula slowly erodes in seawater, leaving little or no antifouling on the frame.
How to Prepare a Boat for Antifouling?
Before application, you must clean and prep your vessels. A well-prepared surface ensures better paint adhesion and longer-lasting protection against marine growth. Here’s how professionals prepare your boat or yacht for the treatment:
Clean the Hull:
A professional starts with pressure washing to remove loose debris, marine growth, and salt deposits from the framework. They also use scrapers to remove old paint and create a clean canvas.
Surface Inspection:
Next, they carefully examine the hull for any damage or cracks. This way, they can mark areas that need attention and address these issues before proceeding.
Sand and Prepare:
Once done, detailers sand the entire surface to create an even texture for pigment adhesion. Furthermore, they remove all dust and residue after sanding.
Protection and Priming:
Experts also mask off areas that do not need antifouling, such as hull fittings, propellers and waterline. Then they apply the recommended coat of primer and allow it to dry.
What’s the Process of Antifouling?
Once the surface is prepped, professional detailers coat the vessel’s hull with a hard or ablative coating. The process includes:
Paint Preparation:
They thoroughly stir the antifouling dye to ensure all ingredients mix evenly. Few formulas need thinners for optimal workability. Then they pour the cuprous oxide-infused colour into a tray and apply it on the intended surface. Detailers keep stirring the liquid during application to prevent it from settling.
Application Technique:
Skilled professionals start the application from the waterline and work downward. They use a roller or brush for application, depending on the surface area. This way, it’s possible to apply consistent pressure for even coverage. They also pay special attention to edges, angles, and high-wear areas. Usually, the hull requires multiple coats of the treatment for optimal results.
Clean-up and Completion:
Once the paint is almost dry, the masking tape is gently removed. Finally, they clean all tools and equipment properly. Professional detailers know how to dispose of paint waste and materials responsibly, adhering to local regulations.
Antifouling boats can be messy. However, with Marine Plus Detailing, you can get the job done. Trusted by thousands of boat owners in Melbourne, we are one of the most popular providers of high-end detailing services. Feel free to call us on 0432 624 749 or email at marineplusdetailing@gmail.com to book an appointment.
