Antifoul : timing

[Bristolfashion]

At the end of the season, we have the option at haul out in October of doing the anti foul then or waiting until pre splash around march. Which is better? It might be a touch warmer and drier in October in Newcastle but does antifoul degrade out of the water in 6 months?

 

[pvb]

At the end of the season, we have the option at haul out in October of doing the anti foul then or waiting until pre splash around march. Which is better? It might be a touch warmer and drier in October in Newcastle but does antifoul degrade out of the water in 6 months?

Depends on the specific type of antifoul. Check the Product Data Sheet for whichever antifoul you plan to use, that should show maximum time to immersion.

 

[oldmanofthehills]

Depends on the specific type of antifoul. Check the Product Data Sheet for whichever antifoul you plan to use, that should show maximum time to immersion.

I have been told that the metalic components oxidise in open air so as to be less effectice. However all tin products should have same vulnerability as should all copper products, but Hempel and International give different immerse-by times

 

[Neeves]

They all use different resin systems and/or variations on similar systems. They also all use slightly different proportions of active ingredients and possibly different, or no, biocides. Inevitably the instructions are different. If you want to do the AF now - find an AF that allows a 6 month to immersion. If they were all the same - its would be easy - we would buy on price.

As mentioned - read the instructions

As doing the work is at your convenience, the yacht is out of the water - I'd do it at the beginning of the season, unless there is a need to reduce the fouling out of the water in the middle of winter. I would do the wash down when it comes out of the water - and then another wash in the spring, before doing the AF.

Copper is the major active ingredient - there is logic in choosing the heaviest or highest SG product, commensurate with price (you could use more of a cheaper product to ensure you had enough copper. Zinc is used in some formulations - interesting in Oz it is not considered an active ingredient. Again - check the instructions.

Jonathan