Type of anti fouling advice please?

[mickyp168]

HI Would appreciate some advice on the best sort of anti fouling for my boat hard or erodible? 23' 40 year old GRP sailboat kept in the northern Med , in the water all year and used weekly for pleasure sailing not racing. Which would be best? Thanks
Michael

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Eroding A/F is the most advisable one to use. It's for slow moving vessels and ones that spend the majority of time tied up. Hard A/Fs are for motorboats, and highly competitive racing boats that are scrubbed very frequently.
Someone will undoubtedly be along shortly with recommendations as to the most suitable brands for your location, which I see, is in Cannes.

 

[vyv_cox]

The trouble with eroding a/f in the Med is that some fouling will inevitably occur on the top 30 cm or so. Scrubbing this off removes the a/f but the remainder of the hull is not too bad. We used to do the top strip in hard and the rest in erodable.

 

[Neeves]

There is no one correct answer - the best solution is to take note of the replies here and then ask people (owners) you know in the marina where you are located. You can also check the local boat yards and see what they use (though they might choose the cheapest - not the best). The Med, I believe, is blessed with marinas - cast you net a bit more widely than your own marina (and check what the charter fleets use). AF tends to be a bit 'location' specific. Be cautious with your conclusions - AF is most effective if the yacht is used regularly (like a charter yacht). Yachts that sit idle in the water are not taking advantage of the technology of eroding.

However at the end of the day - in general the more expensive AFs from the internationally respected companies tend to be better.

If you are to apply your own AF then regular use of the yacht will take advantage of the eroding characteristics - but don't skimp on application - a thin coating will not last long - if the instructions say 2 coats - then apply 2 generous coats, do not eke it out and this will also influence the replies you get from others - you don't know if they are being generous when they apply - or not.

Take care, stay safe

Jonathan

 

[Graham376]

I use Jotun Seaforce 30M eroding which may be available in France. Most likely similar water temperatures and critters, mainly just slime to wash off each yearly haul out.