Another Antifoul question...

[jpcarter30]

Sorry... I've used the search but just need answers to clarify a few points.

This is my first season antifouling my own boat:

1. I don't know what the previous antifoul was so should I put a primer on or go for two good coats of the AF ?
2. I'm on the Medway in a marina and on haul-out there was only slime and not much of it. Will two coats of something like XM Anti F suffice or should I go for a pricier Blakes Tiger?
3. Is there such a difference between brands? The debate I've read is very inconclusive.

Many thanks - fire away!

 

[BAtoo]

If you don't know what's on then I would use a coat of primer from the same manufacturer as the AF that you choose.

As to which AF ask the locals, either local boat-owners or the local chandlery, or look in the yard skips and see which tins are there!

In general terms go for an AF with a high proportion of active ingredients and probably a slime inhibitor.

Unless you want to scrub regularly use an eroding AF.

 

[simonfraser]

def eroding AF. 07 i put on three coats and it has lasted at least till now )
so, i'd say put more on and leave it in all year, good sailing till new year.
jan/feb can get a bit chilly !

 

[ebbtide]

I use XM Hard a/f every year. After a good scrub touch in bare patches on rudder & keel with primer, then just one coat.
It lasts a season fine. but will two coats last 2 years? I think not.

 

[jpcarter30]

thanks v.m. chaps - I'll go with the primer and coat on top as I'm sure that'll last me until this time next year.

 

[vyv_cox]

Since I realised that paying more money than necessary for antifouling was equivalent to chucking five pound notes down the toilet I have made it my policy to buy the cheapest available each year. For the past five years of full-time summer cruising I have applied, in the following order -
Marclear, International cruiser, Screwfix, an unknown Italian brand mixed with some five-year old Cruiser that I came across in my workshop, Plastimo. This year I have just bought XM, which I shall apply in April.

Prior to that I have used most brands, applied as and when, without any special preparation.

I have never bought an a/f primer in my life. None of my antifoulings have become detached. It's only antifouling, after all. Nobody cares what it looks like! Just wash down the previous stuff while giving it the once over with a broom. Then slap the new stuff on.

 

[Captain Coochie]

I went the whole way when i got Cuchilo and sanded it right back and started again . Then again i was looking at thirty years of unknown so i wanted to see what i had bought .