(The right) antifouling for relatively short seasonal use?

[jms28]

Hi,

I'm planning on giving my Cranchi Mediterranee 40 a proper hull treatment & to remove everything until the gel coat for the 1st time ever.

Here my Qs:

1. Do I actually need antifouling for my relatively short usage every year of 2-6 weeks maximum? The boat has been on land when not in use for the past 10 years.

2. If antifouling is indeed recommended even for such short periods, which one would be recommended, again, with my user profile in mind (i.e. most of the time out of the water)? The boat is based in Greece, so saltwater. Ideally, it should be biocid free but not sure if this does the trick and if prices are reasonable by now.

Thank you!

 

[colhel]

Has it got old antifoul on at the moment? When you say 2 to 6 weeks use, how long will it actually be in the water for? Are you taking it out after every time you use it?

 

[jms28]

Thks for your reply. To your Qs:

Yes, it has a vaning antifouling layer from last year.

And yes, the boat comes out whenever not in use. We currently only use the boat in the summer and depending on how much time we have (work, life, etc.) this is usually around 2-6 weeks maximum per year. If all goes well, we can hopefully extend this window one day soon but for the time being I do not foresee the boat to be in the water for longer than 6 weeks tops.

I guess one of the main Qs to begin with is this: from when is antifouling required in the Mediterranean/ saltwater? Pretty much good to have from day one in the water for longevity (especially since this is an old boat from 1990) OR is it only essential if the boat is in the water for weeks and months continuously? Because if the latter, if may make sense to leave the antifouling away now that the hull will be like new. This will help not only save money and time but, to my understanding, also help save fuel and increase performance (less resistance).

Wdyt?

 

[colhel]

After 6 weeks sat in the water you're going to get some fouling. But you've got old antifoul of an unknown condition which may still work a bit. I think it's a how long is a piece of string question, you're going to lose performance after 6 weeks but this could be more to do with sterngear fouling. I think I'd not bother. Happy to be corrected....

 

[Momac]

Have you considered using Coppercoat .