Why is it important to apply antifouling treatment every year?

We explain why it’s so important to apply an antifouling or anti-fouling paint treatment to your boat every year. It is a specialized coating, usually containing a formulation of bioactive ingredients and water-soluble organotin compounds, applied to the hull to prevent mollusks, algae, and other marine organisms from attaching to the hull.

Keeping the hull free from marine flora and fauna also ensures that the boat glides easily, minimizing surface friction and fuel consumption.

Depending on how long the boat will stay in the water, the area where you’ll be sailing, the approximate miles you’ll be cruising, and the average speed knots at which you navigate, a specific type of antifouling is applied to each boat.

Types of Antifouling

Antifoulings are of two types: hard matrix for very fast boats and racing sailboats, and self-polishing.

Within the self-polishing category, the most effective are the next-generation “SPC” (Self-Polishing Copolymer) antifoulings, which clean themselves with the action of tides without the need to sail. They are extremely effective for long periods of immersion and can last for more than one season, requiring only additional layers.

Other antifoulings that are gaining popularity are silicone-based, and research is being conducted into antifoulings made from microorganisms that feed on marine flora and fauna.

What are the benefits?

It acts as a barrier against corrosion on metal hulls. It improves the water flow around the hull, enhancing speed and overall performance of the boat. It prevents increased fuel consumption and costs due to damage to the propellers, blockage of water intakes and exhausts, and damage to the hull surface caused by marine growth.

How do we apply it at Barcelona Nautic Center?

Once the boat is out of the water, we check for any possible damage to the hull, such as cracks or blisters, so we can repair them. We proceed with sanding and priming, then apply the antifouling paint, making sure to leave the required amount of time between specified layers. We also paint the keel, propellers, and any other underwater sections of the yacht.

Do you need an antifouling treatment for your boat? Request a quote with no obligation.