Anti fouling

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pmd

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I am about to anti foul a two year old Dutch steel boat which will be based in Holland. There is so much conflicting advice on what type of anti foul to use, further advice would be appreciated. I have considered firstly using two coats of International Interspeed Ultra as a long lasting (possibly two seasons), or three coats of Micron Extra. Having said that Cruiser Uno also comes highly recommended. As I say, very confusing. Advice please.
 
You want to reduce your confusion, and you post here? Bizarre!

Blakes Tiger Xtra is my preferred jollop.

But if you're based in NL, I suspect she'll see a mixture of salt, brackish and fresh water, so maybe no a/f will be necessary (salt water flora and fauna don't like fresh and vice versa). Ask locally.
 
We all have our favorites. but it really depends on the area you sail in, some perform better than other's in different areas....
 
Having had Dutch steel boats for years I have always used Jotun Antifoul.Dont know what size yours is but 5 lts should do .Jotun products are used on QM2.Contact Specialised Coatings tel 01205 871394 should be about £60. I have nothing to do with the company only good service.
 
I agreee on Jotun I used Non-Stop years ago and it was excellent but a little pricey and difficult to find..I think I found a remaindered tin at some chandlers. The web site you referred us to doesn't have it, perhaps they have stopped making it, or re-named it, and the price seems to have fallen, if one of those listed is a direct equivalent. I have used Seajet recently and found that good as well.
 
I used Micron on mine. My boat has been afloat now over 18months having being hauled for 2 months inbetween. I did not anti foul her again when hauled, as she was only going back in the water for several weeks but now she is getting a little dirty on the bottom. So, I am pleased with micron, but its all depending on your area for fouling etc. I know i would get 2 seasons out of micron in my area. International on the other hand, having spoken to other yachties, doesnt seem to last as long. But again, its all relevant to the local area.
 
Assuming you will be mainly in seawater, but based on fresh, you would probably be best off going for a seawater system.

If you're mainly on the go or in marinas (as I am) you will not need such an expensive system. You have to consider the buildup implied from heavily coating your hull - all the sooner to bringing in the sandblaster to remove the unablated material!

I use MX, one thick coat all over and two at the waterline where light encourages growth - mainly slime in my case.

I have been through all the expensive go-go systems and find no advantage. But if I were moored mainly in a tidal river I would have to go for heavier protection.

I am going to guess that your regime of sailing, with moored time in fresh water, will not need the high cost regime. The Dutch owners around you will confirm your choice.

PS. Whatever you buy, do get it discount in the UK - the Dutch are lovely folks but not sharp with their pencils when it comes to pricing AF! And sterling is on its back....

PWG
 
My boat isn't steel, it's GRP, but I kept it in fresh water in Holland for seven years, going into sea water most weekends and for cruises. Fouling was never an issue. Anything that grew during our times on the sea, four or five weeks on summer cruises, simply fell off as soon as we were back in our home port. All we ever had was a bit of black slime that was anti-cosmetic but not an issue otherwise. In this situation there is a strong argument for not antifouling at all, but otherwise use the cheapest stuff you can get. We often used International Cruiser that we bought outdated on the cheap.
 
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