tophatyachts.com

Hi,
This year I am very seriously considering using Coppercoat (Coppershield in Oz) for my antifouling. Whilst the initial outlay is considerably more than the usual antifoul, I am given much heart by an article in PBO (April 09 edition) which looks critically at the cost/benefit analysis of using this antifoul against the usual type. Given that I will stilll get the boat out of the water every 12-18 months for an anticipated light pressure wash, I look forward to a better control over the marine infestation on my prop and the consequent impact on my wallet. In the above article, the author predicted a saving over 10 years (yes that is how long the antifoul lasts!) of 3,880 Brittish pounds.
I know that I will be required to do a full strip of my hull, back to primer, before the coating begins, but I have been convinced that this is the way of the future.
I look forward to the views/concerns/bagage of other Top Hat owners.
Cheers,
Kevin
Wayward Lady (Mk3)
Williamstown, Vic

How warm was the water the tests were performed in? I have not heard of many people using it up here (Cental Coast), not sure about Vic?

Reading the published marketing material (I know it is their word!) there are numerous positive reviews, including one from a yachtie in Trididad and Tobago, which I believe would also be warm water.
The company recently also won the prestigious Eco Friendly Business category of the Asian Marine & Boating Awards 2011, held in conjunction with the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show - so it not only works, but its advantages have been recognised by boaters internationally.
I am not a pasid advocate of the Comapny, but I am keen to see if the return on investmnent is as good as it is claimed.
Anyway, I dont believe that I have much to lose, so it is worth the trial - I will keep you posted if I go ahead with it.
I would like to see the opinions of other Toppies though!
Cheers
Kevin
Wayward Lady (Mk3)
Williamstown, Vic

Ahhhhhhh,

Not much use if you go cruising as the likelyhood of going aground increases 10 fold.

I know that I had no antifouling left under my keel when I returned from my cruise last year.

Would have to factor in cost of touch up jobs every couple of years!



Phillip

;initial outlay is considerably more, what does this mean in $$$ How much to do your TH? not including the prep.

Rob

Sundowner
Westernport

Cost of antifoul is normally $160 per litre (but can get a small discount of $10 per litre) and will require 5 litres to do 4 coats. In addition is transport from Perth at around $100. This equals $850 plus prep.
Cheers,
Kevin
Wayward Lady
Williamstown, Vic

Wow i payed $130.00 for four litres from Bias Boating if you are paying $130.00 a litre they seen you coming!! or better still rang you up !! Cheers oberon 11

john lewis wrote:Wow i payed $130.00 for four litres from Bias Boating if you are paying $130.00 a litre they seen you coming!! or better still rang you up !! Cheers oberon 11

Umm, John, $130 a litre for Coppercoating antifoul that lasts 10 years is a pretty good deal, compared to $30 a litre for antifoul that lasts no more than 18 months.... if you're lucky.

Sorry, i must have seen double to duplicate the post.....

I knew a bloke who bought a bag of copper powder he mixed this with epoxy and painted it onto the hull then just before it went off he used a green scourer to rub over the job to bring the copper out he was hopping he would get ten years out of it but i never saw the results, since copper is the magic ingredient you can buy a hell of a lot of copper for the price you quoted and add it to standard antifoul, and before you ask i have know idea were you buy it from
Ciao William