If you keep your boat in the water, especially in brackish or saltwater, for any length of time your boat’s bottom will have to be coated with antifouling paint to prevent barnacles, weeds and slime from growing on the running surface. Hull fouling reduces a boat’s performance and even a modest amount of marine growth can result in a significant increase in fuel consumption.
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The oldest and least expensive bottom paints are called “hard” antifouling, which is something of a misnomer because they are actually the most porous. As the biocide in the paint slowly disperses the surface becomes pitted and rough, which creates drag. The low price might be attractive at first, but hard bottom paints will cost far more in fuel consumption and require more frequent recoating to maintain the level of fouling protection than higher quality paints.
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Technological advances have lead to “controlled solubility copolymer” and “self polishing copolymer,” antifouling paints that are worth their weight in fuel saving performance. When properly applied, these paints dry to a harder, smoother, more slippery finish and that’s key to reducing drag. These paints allow the water passing over the surface to continuously polish the underside of the boat, slowly exposing fresh biocide while keeping the surface slippery. A few thin coats will protect the running surface for an entire season and, since the paint is self-polishing, it doesn’t have to be sanded down before recoating the following year. All it takes is a thin top coat over the existing paint and it’s ready for another season. Ask a knowledgeable sales person at your local marine store which paint may be right for your area.By: Martin Peters, Mgr Communications
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