Antifouling that works - why so difficult?

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Sundays_Child

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Just saw the ultrasonic antifouling thread pop up again. There have been so many threads on antifouling and it seems that there isn't a consensus of any type...

There are supposedly over 1 million boats in California alone. Globally the antifouling business must be worth billions of US$ a year.

Coppercoat 10 years? International mega yacht stuff more expensive than cognac (pardon me if I'm exaggerating, but am prolly not too far off).

Isn't there anything that simply works? My 42' has been GBP1,100 a year before I bought her and I'd like to do better in terms of effectiveness (and price wouldn't hurt).

Any recommendations?

Is it that different salinity and temp make a huge difference and there's no single solution?
 
The things that worked best worked with a broad spectrum killing action - e.g. tbt. If you only allow active ingredients with limited environmental impact the results are bound to be compromised.

I suppose surface technology finishes which don't support any adhesion are the ultimate way to go and are possible, but the costs of making them resilient enough for production are just prohibitive.
 
Governments (EU) like taxes. A/F paint attracts a sales tax. The less effective the paint, the more you buy and thus the more tax take. If you employ people to put the stuff on the tax take is higher due to employment and/or income taxes.

Note that "government vessels" are exempted from the rules forbidding the use of poisonous biocides to prevent fouling:-)

As explanations go its as good as any other
 
Isn't there some truth in the fact that what works in one part of the country doesn't work in another part?

I was told... always ask around and find out what works where you are and then use that. If you move o another part of the country then you may find that you need to use a different product.
 
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