Playing it safe
and reduce your fuel efficiency, but this uneven surface can
The application of any paint product, whether applied to
also contribute towards an increase in fouling. Heavy fouling
the interior or exterior of your boat, must be done with full
can reduce the responsiveness of your boat, and cause your
consideration to personal safety. All paint manufacturers
boat to sit lower in the water due to the extra weight; uneven
are required, by law, to state the necessary precautions
fouling growth can throw your boat out of balance. Investing
needed during application. In the case of DIY application,
in good preparation and following the maintenance advice
most manufacturers will include this on the product label;
given by the manufacturer, whilst choosing an antifouling
professional applicators will be led by the information
product appropriate to your boating style and fouling challenge,
provided on the manufacturer’s technical guidance notes and
is a critical step in achieving the best and most efficient
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) – normally published
performance from your antifouling system.
on the manufacturer’s website. Whether you’re thinking of
applying a paint scheme yourself or using a professional
Surface damage – what to look for
service provider, familiarisation with the personal health and
safety requirements, as specified by the paint manufacturer, is
As well as assessing the condition of your previous coating,
essential before removing the lid on any can of paint.
your hull substrate and underwater metals should also be
In addition to ensuring adequate Personal Protective
checked for signs of corrosion and impact damage. The
Equipment (PPE) provision has been made, the potential
following pointers are not exhaustive, but cover most common
environmental impact of any project also requires attention.
problems:
When working with antifoulings, wash down water and paint
Fibreglass
scrapings should be collected and disposed of as required by
– should be
law (local authorities will provide advice on disposal methods);
checked for
similarly, empty cans should be dispatched via an appropriate
signs of osmosis;
waste facility, consistent with local regulations.
blisters are the
most common
time for a good wash
warning sign and,
if found, should
once your boat
be followed up
has been hauled
with an immediate professional examination. In the absence
it will need a
of visible damage or in the case of a brand-new hull, you
good pressure
may still wish to consider applying a blister prevention system
wash to remove
to protect your hull from the affects of long term osmosis
any fouling
damage.
and any loose
Steel – check for rust, dents and other superficial damage.
“dead” or “spent”
Cracks and damage to the coating from knocks and dents
antifouling from
can expose the metal and allow rust to form. This will need
the previous
remedial treatment, to prevent any rust from spreading and
coating. It is essential to do this as soon as the boat is lifted,
eating into your hull substrate.
as once dried any residual fouling will be hard to remove
Aluminium – although an excellent material for boats,
– making this task far more difficult. Your hull is now ready
aluminium alloys are prone to corrosion if untreated or
for inspection. Your local boat yard will be able to provide
damaged. And, although new alloys form an oxide surface
inspection services or advice on what to look for.
layer when exposed, this will not provide long-term protection
in damp marine environments. Inspection should be carried
Inspection time
out annually, to identify any visible signs of corrosion, paying
Is the paint on your hull cratered and flaking? If so, this
particular attention to weld seams.
roughness, caused by chipping, cracking or loose paint, is likely
Wood – check for any areas of rot or decay. Also check for
to be creating drag; not only will this slow your boat down
damage from attack by marine borers which eat wood fibres. u
MARCH 2009 YACHTWORLD.COM 41
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