Hi All
We are planning to redo the antifoul next week and just wondering if anyone has some recommendations on the best type of antifoul or a particular brand.
I know a lot of the ablative antifouls are really only for powerboats and not really for slow moving or mainly moored yachts.
I have read through the posts and am considering stripping back and priming... if not too much work.
Any recommendations greatly appreciated.
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Recommend Delete Message 2 of 8 in Discussion
From: Keitherson Sent: 18/10/2008 01:47
Hi Carl
Cruising Helmsman published the results of a antifouling test in the June 2005 Issue:
Paint Tested and Price per litre
Coppershield - Hard 2 pack epoxy $140 Litre -
International Micron 66 - Self Polishing - $97.00
Altex No. 5 Ablative -$39.75
Altex no 10 - Semi Ablative $39.75 Liter
Jotun Sea Victor Ablative $36.25
necessarily
The test may be a bit outdated now but the main message was that more money does not necessarily mean better performance. Coppershield was the worst performer, only suitable for powerboats or for people who don't mind scrubbing regularly. Altex no 10 had similar results. The Jotun and International performed the best with the Altex no 5 a close third. The Micron 66 could only be purchased through boatyards for commercial application which would add more expense to the $97 per liter cost!
I need to add that the test was only over short period of 7 months and long term results may have varied, also the test did not fully take into account what paints would respond best with the occasional scrubbing.
Without proper tests it's all a bit subjective but my experience is that while price does not necessarily equal quality the very cheapest paints can be awful. I have used a mid range paint, Altex no 5 a number of times and was generally pleased with results. Last time I antifouled I switched to International Micron Extra and have found it to be slightly softer which means that 17 months later, after a good scrub the hull is still clean except for near the waterline where the paint has worn off. So its time to re-apply. This time I am going to apply 3 coats down to 40 cm below the waterline. At Whitworths Altex no 5 is $179.9 for 4 litres and Micron extra at $239.95 is not that much more.
Cheers
Keith
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Recommend Delete Message 3 of 8 in Discussion
From: Karl010203 Sent: 18/10/2008 03:14
Great info thanks Keith... good idea 3 coats at waterline.
How long is everyone else getting between needing to Haul Outs?
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Recommend Delete Message 4 of 8 in Discussion
From: nswsailor Sent: 18/10/2008 19:44
Good Afternoon All,
I have been using Altex no 5 and I change the colour each haul out to make sure I have complete coverage with the first coat. I am moored in the Camde Haven River which means that we are in a 'foul' area as we have the constant flow and ebb of the tides etc.
Last time out I was unable to antifoul my propellor (fitted a new one at $$$) and have found that it will be covered in only two weeks or so. This means cleanining each time I move, which because of this is not often! But the rest of the hull is very clean, except for the recent appearence of green weed at the waterline (will try the 3 coat idea this time).
I did my last antifoul in January 2007.
The only area that is foul is around the bottom of the keel, becuase of the difficulties of cleaning there on the slip. I intend to clean that area in the water (on scuba) before slipping at the end of November this year. I have usally just cleaned off with a waterjet followed by a scrapping with a putty knife (for the limpets and barnacles) but may also do a light sand this year. I have found that we can do all the jobs in 48 hours and prefer to come up early in morning of first day, clean off and put one coat on and do the boot line, second day for coat 2 and all the other jobs and then go down the next morning. If major work is needed then time is dependant on the job!
Slip costs at Laurieton this year is $188 up and down for first 24 hours then $66 per 24 hour day after that, includes power and water. Plenty of time avaliable if anybody wishes to come up here and we will look after you!
Hope this helps,
Phillip
SEAKA
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Recommend Delete Message 5 of 8 in Discussion
From: Rob Sent: 18/10/2008 21:16
Hi everyone
I too use the Altex No. 5 9 $147 for 4 litres at Lamoore's at Palm Beach. I'm in Pittwater, and usually get 15 months before too much growth slows me down, but if I was racing, it would be 12 months between slips. I belong to the Pittwater Aquatic Club, where you get your own boat out yourself (with some help), do your own work and get it back in again. I was told that one prop treatment is to apply a 2-pack expoxy to the blades, and when tacky, paint over with the antifoul. I decided against this, as the build-up of expoxy would be too hard to scrape off each time. I've used a harder, non-ablative antifoul on the prop before and got the same results as with the Altex.
Years ago, when I had an Adams 21 at Drummoyne, I got a lot more growth than in Pittwater - more run-off with nutrients for the animals to grow.
When I first bought Isabella she had a lot of old antifoul built up, which took some time to remove. A light sand after the water blast each time seems to be avoiding this now.
If anyone does pay a slip to do the job for them, I recommend that you get down there (unannounced) to check what they are doing and that they really do apply the 2 coats (of the right stuff) they quoted for!
When comparing antifouls, have a look at the ingredients list - the cuprous oxide in g/L. Altex has much more than the cheapies (can't remember exactly how much). This is the stuff you are paying for! The more the better.
Fair breezes now the weather's warmer!
Rob
Isabella II Salt Pan Cove, Pittwater
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Recommend Delete Message 6 of 8 in Discussion
From: andy Sent: 19/10/2008 01:29
Hi Karl just wondering how long you think antifouling and painting will take you or do you have some unfortunate doing this for you.
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Recommend Delete Message 7 of 8 in Discussion
From: Karl010203 Sent: 19/10/2008 01:50
Good question there Andy
The help I have is somewhat challenged so it will take longer than it should.
What day do you want to haul it out? Still thinking tuesday?
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Recommend Delete Message 8 of 8 in Discussion
From: longdeepthinker Sent: 19/10/2008 15:52
G`day all,
Regarding antifoul.
Stir,stir,stir and stir again.
Also stir before each fill of the paint roller tray.
Stirring is required in order to distribute the heavier constituents throughout the paint to obtain a more even spread.
I have found that the stirring tool that fits in an electric drill makes the job easier
Keep the lid on the paint can when not in use.
Regards,
John.