Free Antifoul - some more snake oil?

[Elessar]

There was a test of a new type of antifoul in one of the motor boat mags - MBY - lots of you don't see that mag, saily boaters certainly won't but the word "free" will have got your attention

You know my feelings on CopperCoat. It works, it's hard to damage, it lasts, saves money on lifts and antifoul PLUS it saves fuel/makes your boat go faster. It's way superior to conventional antifoul IMO.

Even so if something is new out there I want to know. So........

I've have had some "clearcoat" on test for a little while. I can't possibly say definitively that it works yet, but I've seen enough to say it appears to.

They need more people, on different types of boats in different locations to test it.

If you apply you get enough for 1 sq m to try on the boat, and if it works and gets launched you get a big discount on the antifoul when it ships.

You can apply via the website www.marinetesting.com or get hold of me as I have some in stock. It's absolutely not for sale or available in larger quantities yet so don't ask.

You can mail me direct on mark@arc[delete this no spam bit]antifoul.co.uk if you want some.

 

[ProDave]

So why didn't you tell use a week ago BEFORE I launched my boat.

I would have given it a try on the very bottom of the boat where it appears conventional anti foul gets scrubbed off when she settles on the mud at low tide.

 

[prv]

So why didn't you tell use a week ago BEFORE I launched my boat.

+1

Terrible timing - they seem to have waited until just about everybody is back in the water. Possibly don't understand how their products are used by normal people?

Otherwise I'd give it a go, as I haven't been especially happy with anything I've tried so far.

Pete

 

[Hobnob]

My boat is late into the water due to the rain; all painting & prep has been delayed.

Have applied for sample. Will moor at Teddington, where the semi-saline water will be an interesting test.

 

[lustyd]

From their website this appears to work by making the bottom so smooth that marine life cannot stick. This will mean its useless for anyone taking the ground because that will cause scratches where the life can get a hold.
Cheers
Dave

 

[boatmike]

I would urge caution here. For a long time it has been possible to obtain and apply coatings similar to this based on a silicone coating. In a past life I was responsible for the build of 3 fast ferries and we were asked to use conventional AF on two and silicone coat on the third. I am not at liberty to give details but in general terms the silicone worked OK and self cleaned when the boat was in constant use at speed. On a sailboat I dont think it would work the same and certainly was said by the manufacturer to be not so good on a vessel that was moored a lot of the time. It was also very soft and quite easily damaged. Certainly NBG for drying out in mud! The big problem though was getting it off. You can't! It always leaves a residue that nothing else will stick to. If it does not work on your boat that could be a big problem. Looking at the website there is no information on this and I would be very cautious about applying it to my boat without a lot more information which is missing from their website.
Elessar, you are right. Coppercoat works. If by any chance it doesn't you can overcoat it easily. As you have the technology, I suggest the first thing you do is apply it to a bit of scrap and then try removing it by blasting or any other means and then coating with something else...... I don't think you will find this at all easy!

 

[Twister_Ken]

Suitable for a saildrive leg and a prop?

 

[Elessar]

Suitable for a saildrive leg and a prop?

yes

would be good to see what happens.

will probably fall off prop but will be good to see if it does.

 

[Elessar]

From their website this appears to work by making the bottom so smooth that marine life cannot stick. This will mean its useless for anyone taking the ground because that will cause scratches where the life can get a hold.
Cheers
Dave

you might be right

that's why I'd like someone who takes to the mud to try it please.

 

[Elessar]

I would urge caution here. For a long time it has been possible to obtain and apply coatings similar to this based on a silicone coating. In a past life I was responsible for the build of 3 fast ferries and we were asked to use conventional AF on two and silicone coat on the third. I am not at liberty to give details but in general terms the silicone worked OK and self cleaned when the boat was in constant use at speed. On a sailboat I dont think it would work the same and certainly was said by the manufacturer to be not so good on a vessel that was moored a lot of the time. It was also very soft and quite easily damaged. Certainly NBG for drying out in mud! The big problem though was getting it off. You can't! It always leaves a residue that nothing else will stick to. If it does not work on your boat that could be a big problem. Looking at the website there is no information on this and I would be very cautious about applying it to my boat without a lot more information which is missing from their website.

Yes there was a failed attempt at a silicone product in the past, the ones we have blasted off! So they can be removed.

This is a new product doing 1sq m trials, very responsibly before going to market.

I have done an entirely static trial with ecouraging results.

Elessar, you are right. Coppercoat works. If by any chance it doesn't you can overcoat it easily. As you have the technology, I suggest the first thing you do is apply it to a bit of scrap and then try removing it by blasting or any other means and then coating with something else...... I don't think you will find this at all easy!

You are 100% right, and it is well past the initial trial stage you suggest before getting to this wider stage where more participants are sought.

 

[Elessar]

So why didn't you tell use a week ago BEFORE I launched my boat.

I would have given it a try on the very bottom of the boat where it appears conventional anti foul gets scrubbed off when she settles on the mud at low tide.

+1

Terrible timing - they seem to have waited until just about everybody is back in the water. Possibly don't understand how their products are used by normal people?

Otherwise I'd give it a go, as I haven't been especially happy with anything I've tried so far.

Pete

shame - but these things take longer than you might think. The wider trial is being started as early as was possible. This project is years down the road to get to this stage, it is now or another year later.

would have been good to try the bottom of your boat Dave.

 

[Elessar]

My boat is late into the water due to the rain; all painting & prep has been delayed.

Have applied for sample. Will moor at Teddington, where the semi-saline water will be an interesting test.

It will indeed. Anyone from above the lock interested too?

 

[lustyd]

you might be right

that's why I'd like someone who takes to the mud to try it please.

Sorry my intention wasn't to put anyone off, I'd like to see the results of a trial too but it would be nice to get some indication from the manufacturer as to whether it's appropriate first.

 

[andy59]

Hi Mark , We are lifting our F36 at lymington on friday for antifoul and seacocks so wouldnt mind trying a patch to test . We are planning to have her blasted of and coppercoated next year . Is it ok over old but sanded antifoul ?

 

[Elessar]

Sorry my intention wasn't to put anyone off, I'd like to see the results of a trial too but it would be nice to get some indication from the manufacturer as to whether it's appropriate first.

OK they say:

Think of it like having a well waxed car compared with a dull one. If the car is well waxed it's much easier to wash the mud off. With clearcoat it will be much easier to clean.

My view - got to be worth a try to see. I think the big question is how long will it last before it wears away.

 

[Elessar]

Hi Mark , We are lifting our F36 at lymington on friday for antifoul and seacocks so wouldnt mind trying a patch to test . We are planning to have her blasted of and coppercoated next year . Is it ok over old but sanded antifoul ?

Hi Andy, yes it can be applied over antifoul.

However I wish I could sell antifoul as quickly as I can give it away - I am now awaiting more stock!

Friday will be a challenge if you're only out for the day - or is it longer?

 

[andy59]

Hi Andy, yes it can be applied over antifoul.

However I wish I could sell antifoul as quickly as I can give it away - I am now awaiting more stock!

Friday will be a challenge if you're only out for the day - or is it longer?

We will be out for at least a week so if its possible to get hold of some will happily try out a patch .

 

[Porthandbuoy]

I've applied online. Ladybird will be coming out for a scrub in June (been in all winter) and I thought I'd try this stuff on the trim-tab. Being stuck out the back of the rudder it gets a lot of light and tends to foul easily.

 

[boatmike]

Yes there was a failed attempt at a silicone product in the past, the ones we have blasted off! So they can be removed.

The problem with any silicone is that it can indeed be removed mechanically but even a polish for topsides containing any long chain polymer can only be fully removed by using an aggressive solvent. If you have ever tried doing a repair on a silicone polished surface you will have experienced this difficulty yourself I am sure.

This is a new product doing 1sq m trials, very responsibly before going to market.

I am not against this in principle but why does the manufacturer not come clean and tell us who he is and what the product contains? Is it silicone?

I have done an entirely static trial with ecouraging results.

Does it set hard or is it in fact a soft pliable film?

 

[Elessar]

We will be out for at least a week so if its possible to get hold of some will happily try out a patch .

More is en route I'm told. Email me your address and I'll send it asap.