Solvent Free Expoxy for Protecting the Hull

[60F]

I have recently bought a Princess that is around 20 years old. The survey shows the hull to be in good condition and I want to make sure that she stays that way. She is being hauled out next month to be blasted prior to CopperCoating. This would be a good opportunity to apply a couple of coats of Solvent Free Epoxy first to help the longevity and the suppliers of CopperCoat endorse the idea.

I've investigated Blakes Gelprotect 200, but also found Thistlebond 152SFE (which has now been re-branded to COPON 152LV) which would appear to be similar but much more economical at around £102 for 5 litres compared to around £180 for Gelprotect 200. Does anyone have any experience of either of these products - particularly the latter?

Also, I have seen a rough formula for working out the effective below the waterline sq m from the LWL and beam, but can't find it - does anyone have the formula to hand?

 

[Nick_H]

Coppercoat is a solvent free (ie. water based) epoxy, with copper powder mixed in, so i'm surprised you need a seperate coating prior to the Coppercoat.

 

[60F]

I wondered the same thing, but speaking to various people they advise that an anti osmosis coating would be a good thing to apply first to protect the boat for the long term. I think the logic is that CopperCoat releases the copper overtime and will not on its own offer the same level of protection as a barrier coat that does not also have the copper particles. I didn't understand solvent free epoxy to be water based though. Are you sure about that?

 

[Nick_H]

I didn't understand solvent free epoxy to be water based though. Are you sure about that?

Well, water is a solvent of course, so no, I'm not sure exactly what "solvent free" means in this case, but the term is often (incorrectly) used to describe water based as opposed to petrochemical based substances.

 

[DAKA]

I have recently bought a Princess that is around 20 years old. The survey shows the hull to be in good condition and I want to make sure that she stays that way. She is being hauled out next month to be blasted prior to CopperCoating. This would be a good opportunity to apply a couple of coats of Solvent Free Epoxy first to help the longevity and the suppliers of CopperCoat endorse the idea.

I've investigated Blakes Gelprotect 200, but also found Thistlebond 152SFE (which has now been re-branded to COPON 152LV) which would appear to be similar but much more economical at around £102 for 5 litres compared to around £180 for Gelprotect 200. Does anyone have any experience of either of these products - particularly the latter?

Also, I have seen a rough formula for working out the effective below the waterline sq m from the LWL and beam, but can't find it - does anyone have the formula to hand?

Not sure I would coat a 20 year old boat shortly after hauling out, although your test areas are good there may be pockets of high moisture in some areas.
Unless you are unnecessary going in a drying shed or thinking of staying on the hard for 2-3 months to dry in the summer air I do not think your hull will be dry enough to seal and you run the risk of permanently trapping moisture under the barrier coat.
Your hull has stayed dry over the last 20 years, just keep drying out for a month or so lifting hatches each year and there is no reason why you should encounter a problem.

Blasting causes small voids to open up, you could use an electric chisel to remove old af which would leave your hull water tight and ready for af avoiding the unnecessary barrier coat.

 

[Elessar]

I have recently bought a Princess that is around 20 years old. The survey shows the hull to be in good condition and I want to make sure that she stays that way. She is being hauled out next month to be blasted prior to CopperCoating. This would be a good opportunity to apply a couple of coats of Solvent Free Epoxy first to help the longevity and the suppliers of CopperCoat endorse the idea.

I've investigated Blakes Gelprotect 200, but also found Thistlebond 152SFE (which has now been re-branded to COPON 152LV) which would appear to be similar but much more economical at around £102 for 5 litres compared to around £180 for Gelprotect 200. Does anyone have any experience of either of these products - particularly the latter?

Also, I have seen a rough formula for working out the effective below the waterline sq m from the LWL and beam, but can't find it - does anyone have the formula to hand?

lwl x (beam plus hull draft)

take a look at my website below, we can blast, and supply materials or supply and apply.