GRP & Antifoul

[extremewill]

Please can anyone offer some advice, I've just purchased my first new boat which has never been antifouled, but whilst it does come with a trailer - this is proving to be difficult. My question is, how long can i safely leave it in the water without antfoul? & if i leave it longer what is likely to happen?

Thanks

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Jim44]

If it is in Fresh water, then I have left my Sports boat in all summer without a problem. Pulled out power washed off and looks as good as new.

If it is in Salt water not sure, Your profile doesnt give any information

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jhr]

Lots of variable factors in salt water - temperature, particular local species of weed etc. In the Solent, for instance, I'd say that you will see the beginnings of slime on the hull after a couple of weeks, and some weed growth after a month to six weeks, after which things will go rapidly downhill and you will go slower and slower. It won't harm the grp much, but it will become discoloured and unsightly and barnacles, in particular, will become a nightmare to remove. Believe me; you really don't want to go there.

To keep absolutely on top of it, I reckon you'd need to scrub the bottom every couple of weeks. If you're going to keep your boat in salt water for any period of time, antifouling is a must, imho.

<hr width=100% size=1>Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho

 

[extremewill]

Thanks - Its to be left in what is considered to be brackish? so i guess the answer is then, that it should be ok to be left short term, but i must clean it regularly, every 2 weeks or so to avoid either antifoul or worse!

Thanks again

<hr width=100% size=1>