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The choice of an antifouling isn't an insignificant decision. Indeed, the type of antifouling chosen is going to influence, in a very important way, the gliding performance as well as the cleaning process (and therefore the maintenance budget on the boat). Removing the antifouling crusts is a sensitive operation that could possibly deteriorate the gel-coat.
Our advice
You are going to buy a new boat :
Even if you purchased a new boat, you still need to take care. Before you take possession, confirm the following points :
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Make a visual inspection of your hull before the application of an antifouling paint. This paint can sometimes hide the defaults in the hull.
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Inspect with care the junctures of the hull as well as the connection between the keel and the hull.
You are a owner :
Every 5 years (maximum), it is necessary to remove the antifouling crust off your hull so that you can see its condition. A crust made of several layers of antifouling isn't protected against the possible infiltrations of humidity, or the premature aging of the gel coat. Avoid sandblasting as it will make the gel-coat porous.
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Every 3 years, carry out a humidity test of your hull so that you can anticipate the osmosis.
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Using high pressure cleaning to remove marine grime and scratching the hull with a spatula can contribute to alter the gel-coat and make the hull porous.
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Wear individual protective clothing when you apply or remove an antifouling paint. These products are toxic. Recover all your pots and antifouling waste and dispose of them in waste bags designed specifically for this purpose. Be careful, antifouling waste is considered as Special Industrial Waste and therefore its destruction of it is heavily regulated.
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