To Anti-Foul or Not?

[PeeAyre]

Hi All,

I've been stuggling to get some impartial advice on this one - so thought I might open it to the floor for a wider view.

I've a Regal 2150LSC and after our first season last year, discovered what I nightmare it was to have to keep cleaning the hull to keep the build up down. We berth the craft in a marina with a locked basin between April and September (not in this year yet) and therefore the subsequent fees for lifting and cleaning are proving a tad excessive! (there aren't any easilly accessible ramps nearby).

Therefore we are considering anti-fouling the craft this year to help. Whilst it may appear a "no-brainer" for a boat that sits in a British Water Marina for six months of the year - I've heard conflicting stories on its affect on peformance, re-sale value for the craft, the implications of trying to anti-foul the Regal fast-trac hull and just general aesthetics of anti-following a sports boat.

The performance issue for me personally is less of a concern since it has to be better than trying to carry around the 3 inches of crud that builds up in about 2 weeks!

What are the views out there people? Any Tips? Any recommended products?

Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[kindredspirit]

a) You have to anti-foul if your boat is sitting in the water.

b) A darker shade of anti-fouling is better than a lighter shade.

c) No recommendations for brand. Ask locally what other people are using.




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[DepSol]

Do it.

See what everyone else is using in wha colours and what weed is sticking to it after what amount of time and deduce the best one for your marina.

If this is your first time maybe best to get a proffesional to key it and gel shield it first.

DOm

 

[makkers]

Agreed, anti-foul her!

I too have been on both sides of this fence where our previous boat a bayliner bowrider was marina berthed and not anitfoulded. Three times a year she was 'loved'!!!
*Pre season wash n polish
*Mid summer and spend the best part of a day scraping and polishing.
*End of season the same process again but much colder and more 'f%^&*n boat' statements and the crap shreds your hands like a cheese grater.

Plus side, when we sold her she looked as good as new and you couldnt tell the difference between salt or fresh water use or the fact that she was marina berthed for 8 months of the year - resale value was I am happy higher than the median due to her year and care.

I reantifouled our current boat just a few weeks ago and believe me it is far more satisifying then scraping and polishing 3 times a year! (Could be the fumes!)

Summary -
no antifoul = may get resale benefit but expect the hard work
anitfoul - easy life

Finally if you do anitfoul, just slap a quick coat on when you resale and she will look the part anyway!