How to choose and apply your boat antifouling ?

How to choose your antifouling paint and how to apply it on your boat?

Antifouling is a paint composed of biocides that is applied to the hull of a boat. Antifouling paint eliminates fouling caused by aquatic fauna and flora (algae, mussels, shellfish), thus protecting the vessel from corrosion. Excessive fouling (marine flora and fauna) on the hull of the vessel causes a decrease in the vessel's sailing speed, and consequently an increase in fuel consumption. Applying antifouling paint to your boat will prevent fouling from becoming embedded, and will improve the performance of your vessel.

Why use antifouling on your boat?

Antifouling paint is a type of boat paint that is designed to prevent fouling on your hull. The fouling is the whole of the vegetable and animal micro-organisms brought by water which come to accumulate on the hull of a boat. But should you apply an antifouling or not?

Two problems arise with the appearance of fouling: the boat becomes heavier and consequently sees its speed of movement hampered and an increase in its fuel consumption. It is therefore necessary to fight against these organisms by applyingantifouling composed of biocides that release toxins that reduce their development. Antifouling is also essential for the maintenance of your boat.

The most famous brand is the international antifouling paint that we sell on our site and which offers a wide range to best suit your needs. Find them all in the category Antifouling } of our site.

What is the best antifouling for boats?

Erodible antifouling

Erodible antifouling (or self-polishing antifouling): the particularity of an erodable antifouling is that it dissolves little by little over the season in order to keep your hull as smooth as possible over time. This dissolving process allows to evacuate algae and shells at the same time as your erodable antifouling and to renew the active surface loaded with biocides. It will be necessary to apply several coats in order to preserve a certain quantity. Its advantage is that you will not have to remove it the following season.

An erodible antifouling is not suitable for a boat sailing at more than 20 knots or for boats moored in port all year round or in a marine current. In this category, our Antifouling Micron 350 International is a reference.

Hard matrix antifouling

Hard matrix antifouling is insoluble, unlike the previous one. Even if it is insoluble, a hard matrix antifouling will gradually lose its biocides, but will remain present on your hull all season long. It is recommended for fast and immobilized boats. In this category, we offer you our Antifouling Ultra 300 International } which will fulfill its role perfectly.

Anti-sticking antifouling

Non-stick antifouling : Based on Teflon, this category is designed to improve the glide of your boat by protecting it with a thin film. Our is an excellent product of its kind.

Aluminum Hull Antifouling

Aluminum Hull Antifouling : We can add this specific category to our list. The presence of lead in some antifoulings prevents them from being attached to aluminum hulls and propellers. Antifoulings for aluminum are specially designed for this material, and therefore for propellers.

The best antifoulings for boats of the moment:

International Ultra 300 International hard matrix antifouling £58

International Micron 350 International Erodible Antifouling £62

International Interstrip AF International Stripper £47

Antifouling

How to make a good antifouling?

An erodable antifouling is applied once a year during the refit of your boat, just like a hard matrix antifouling. Many steps are necessary before any application.

How to apply antifouling on a boat?

First, you will need to clean your hull of any dirt, with a high pressure cleaner if possible.

Then you will need to scrape the hull with spatulas to remove any algae and shells that may have adhered to it, as well as any damaged areas. Then complete this work with abrasive sponges to sand and make the hull smooth to facilitate the application of the boat antifouling.

Some defects will appear. Use an epoxy filler to fill the imperfections. The Dr Sails Epoxy Putty Repair Kit will do the job nicely.

Rinse and let the hull dry thoroughly.

Mark off the dipping area and apply tape so that it is only appliedbelow the waterline.

After having properly cleaned your hull, you will have to apply a primer which will give a better grip to the antifouling, and thus a better durability and efficiency.

Then comes the application. It is advisable to apply your erodible antifouling shortly before launching the boat. You will need to apply it in a low humidity environment to facilitate its holding. Ideally, you should not apply it in cold weather. If this is the case, immerse your pot in a basin of warm water such as a bain-marie to warm up your antifouling.

You will need to homogenize your antifouling with a mixer, and if you choose to dilute it, do not exceed 10% of its volume.

Apply the antifouling

Because of its biocide content, it is recommended that you wear goggles, gloves, a mask and a suit when applying your antifouling.

How much antifouling should I apply?

The amount of antifouling to apply will depend on the length of your boat. To avoid getting bogged down in calculating the quantity of antifouling, remember that up to 15 meters for a speedboat, you will need about 1 L per meter. For a sailboat up to 15 meters, subtract 3 from the number of meters to obtain the number of liters to use. Thus, for a 13 m sailboat, you will need about 10 L.

Our selection of antifoulings

At Nautisports, we offer you a wide choice of antifouling paints. From self-polishing antifouling to hard matrix antifouling, all our products combine performance and protection for your boat. Water will remain an ally during your navigation. International antifouling paint remains our favorite brand because of the quality of the products offered. Do not hesitate to consult the online product sheets of each antifouling boat in order to know the details in terms of stock, delivery time, type of surface accepted, as well as the prices.

Have a nice surfing!

For any question or additional information, we are at your disposal at 04.78.41.79.31.

The Nautisports. com team