Optima antifouling

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My recently purchased Colvic Watson 26' has pretty sound, red Optima antifouling, but in "end of season condition", so needs re-coating before this year's launch. Must I prepare and re-coat it with exactly the same OR will other eroding antifoulings adhere, providing proper cleaning and preperation is carried out? I will be gently motor-sailing in the Medway and Thames estuary. Also, how should I prepare the existing before re-coating?
Thanks if you can help.
 
Filthy business!

Antifouling is a filthy business, and you should avoid it as much as possible. You can overcoat Optima with most antifouling - if in doubt ask International. Eroding antifouling can be easily cleaned using running water from a hose and an abrasive pad (foam sanding pad or pan scourer). The more you rub; the more old antifouling you'll remove. When you re-antifoul, apply it by brush, rather than by roller, and put on 3 coats. If there's some left in the tin, apply more around the waterline. If you use reasonable stuff (such as Micron) this should last for 2 seasons, thus halving your exposure to the filthy business!
 
Think about it for a second...

The really expensive part of antifouling is getting the boat out of the water. The really filthy part is cleaning the hull. Once it's out and clean, the cost of another pot of antifouling is negligible. My boat stays in the water for a full 2 years between antifouling, and I do the antifouling in the summer when it's (a) warmer and (b) cheaper to lift out. Sometimes, the weirdest ideas make sense.
 
Re: Think about it for a second...

Yea, sorry.

Had just got back from a day on the beach scraping off (bilge keeler) followed by a day on the hard rinsing and putting the paint on. If you need to lift out and can get 2 years out of it I agree with you. In the TBT days I used to regularly manage 2 years, even though antifouling between tides. (Chichester Hbr). Sadly not any more.

Do let us all know how the Optima performs.
 
Re: Think about it for a second...

Not really ideal leaving an older GRP boat in for two years anyway. A few months out each year to allow the hull to dry helps nullify osmosis.

Regards,

Peter
http://www.mistressofmourne.com
 
Be careful with optima - it's a water based paint and need careful preparation. You should check with Internation to see what if your new brand of af is compatible - They are usually very resonsive. Standard preparation is to sand with wet and dry 240 grade sandpaper so you may also require a primer.
 
Re: Filthy business! - Flag A/F...

I've used Flag A/F for the last years and found it OK. I usually give it a scrub in August just before the summer cruise. Usually has slime on it but very few barnacles. If I remember it costs £39.95 / 2½ litres delivered direct from Flag. I put on 2 coats with a roller. Came out OK in recent tests.
 
Re: Filthy business! - Flag A/F...

Thanks for the feedback...encouraging. It certainly went on (mainly by roller) very well compared to the XM I used last year. Price from Scewfix is the same as you quote, though you get discount starting at 5% on orders over £75. Delivery free if order over £45 and always next day.
 
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