Many microorganisms adhere to the submerged parts of boats and proliferate in them. This happens in both fresh and salt water and can have devastating consequences on their components. In fact, beyond reducing the boat’s speed and increasing its fuel consumption, they can end up clogging pipes and causing quite serious breakdowns. One solution to prevent fouling on the hull of boats is to apply antifouling paints, also known as patents, although there are better alternatives as explained in this article.
What are antifouling paints?
Antifouling is a term that comes from English. In fact, ‘foul’, in that language, means dirt, which gives us a pretty clear clue as to what paints of this type are. They are also called antifouling and anti-algae paints and are essential in all types of boats.
Specifically, the peculiarity of antifouling paints is that they have a series of biocidal substances, that is, they kill microorganisms, which are released gradually and progressively. These compounds are usually derived from copper and form a kind of protective shield around the entire vessel.
Types of antifouling paints
We can distinguish between different types of antifouling paints or patents depending on the use for which they are intended. They are these:
Hard matrix antifouling paint.
It is made from a mixture of soluble and insoluble resins. The biocidal substances contained in it are released through a porous matrix and through the surface film of the patent.
This type of patent is particularly effective in preventing fouling from occurring, although not so effective in eliminating it if it has already occurred. The paint absorbs water so that the biocide can gradually disintegrate.
Among the main advantages of hard matrix antifouling paint is the fact that it is very tough and durable. It can even be left out of the water applied on the boat for three months without losing its effectiveness. In addition, it does not require the removal of the previous layer to apply a new one, although it is true that, when these accumulate in excess, it will be necessary to remove them all and start again.
Self-polishing antifouling paint
Probably, the best patent of the moment considering its durability and efficiency. However, it is also the most expensive. They do not have a hard matrix, but a soluble one. This dissolves continuously to release the biocide. It also offers very interesting hydrodynamic properties.
In addition, the thickness of the self-polishing paint layer decreases with use. This means that it is never necessary to remove it completely. Simply apply a new one when the old one has deteriorated and the boat is ready to sail again.
This type of patent is especially recommended for boats that sail all year round and, above all, for small motorboats and sailboats. However, it should not be left in the open air as it deteriorates quickly. The same applies when sailing at high speeds.
Epoxy resin antifouling paint
This is one of the latest innovations on the market. It is a type of patent made from epoxy resin. A large amount of copper powder mixed with nickel is added to it, which acts as a biocide. This is released continuously and in the right quantities as soon as the boat is introduced into the water. Its main advantage is that it can offer up to 10 years of antifouling protection without needing to be renewed.
In addition, this type of patent can be outdoors without any problem. It is enough to clean its surface when we take the boat out so that a new layer is visible, just as effective as the previous one.
Freshwater antifouling paint
It is not always necessary to apply it, why? Microorganisms that thrive in salt water die quickly in fresh water. The same applies vice versa. In addition, it takes several weeks for the microorganisms from the new medium to become embedded in the boat if there have been microorganisms from the other medium beforehand.
In any case, freshwater antifouling patents can be hard matrix or self-polishing. The difference with the saltwater ones is that they have different biocides and other elements to prevent corrosion in that environment. To choose between one or the other, we must take into account whether our boat will spend more time in freshwater or saltwater during the year.
How often should the antifouling paint be renewed?
It depends on the case. Earlier we said that epoxy resin antifouling paint with copper and nickel can last up to 10 years. However, this is not the most common. Generally, it is recommended to apply a patent coat before the start of the sailing season or, failing that, at the end of the season, depending on the conditions in which the boat is stored.
However, this figure may be higher or lower depending on the frequency of use and the type of water on which the boat is to be sailed. In fact, the higher the water temperature, the more microorganisms will try to adhere to the hull of the boat and, therefore, the more wear and tear the paint will suffer.
In short, the right choice of antifouling paint will be the key to enjoying the optimum performance of the boat when sailing on fresh or salt water, as well as to reducing fuel consumption and preventing serious breakdowns. We hope that, knowing the different types available on the market at the moment, you will be able to choose the patent that best suits your boat easily.
More cost-effective alternatives for pipelines and sea intakes
Marine biofouling prevention systems for seawater pipes based on the electrolytic principle provide continuous and reliable protection without the use of chemicals.
They operate automatically through copper anodes designed and manufactured in compliance with the EU Biocides Regulation (528/2012). Specifically the Llalco Antifouling System, number one worldwide, has been installed on 35,000 vessels in the last 50 years and is the most widely used antifouling system for sea intakes and cooling pipes worldwide for any type of vessel or offshore platform. It is based on the electrolytic principle and is therefore very reliable.
Without antifouling protection, the pipes become clogged with organisms that lead to partial or total blockages of the water flow and reduce the efficiency of the seawater cooling system, causing damage to the ship’s mechanics.
