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Antifouling Maintenance

Antifouling Maintenance

Even though you slip your boat every 12 months, just like your engine, you need to check your antifouling every now and then to make sure everything is operating properly.

 

Hints and tips

 

 Check the hull occasionally for slime. It is normal for this to occur and is easily wiped off.

 

 It is a good thing to give the hull a wipe occasionally but not with a stiff broom or brush. Use a soft sponge or cloth. Don’t press too hard as you may remove the antifouling and shorten its life.

 

 If you do need to slip the boat early for any reason, like repairs to the prop or hull, ensure the boat yard gives the underwater hull a light freshwater wash to remove any slime or salt. If slime and salt are left, this will dry hard on the surface and inhibit the antifouling performance when the boat is relaunched.

 

 The PPG antifouling is a good choice for your antifouling, Ecofleet 290, ABC3 or Eco- fleet Alloy. It is chosen for its antifouling performance and for the support provided by the manufacturer and distributors. It is considered the best option for boat owners, so it is advisable to continue using this antifouling at all subsequent slippings.

 

 Check for any growth that looks like a flat, red, round disk. It will settle on antifouling and is easily removed but will cause problems if left alone. You may never see this, but it can turn up unexpectedly in any waterways around Australia; it is called watersipora.

 

What is “Watersipora”?

 

Watersipora is a fouling organism that is bright orange to red with variable amounts of black, and may be flat or foliose. Watersipora is tolerant to copper-based antifouling biocides, so it facilitates the spread of other invasives by providing a non-toxic surface. It is important to follow the above hints and tips as preventative measures. Should you spot watersipora on your vessel, simply wipe it off.

 

Here are some photos to help you identify watersipora.

 

PPG antifouling gold coast

 

The PPG antifouling is a good choice for your antifouling, Ecofleet 290, ABC3 or Eco-fleet Alloy. It is chosen for its antifouling performance and for the support provided by the manufacturer and distributors. It is considered the best option for boat owners, so it is advisable to continue using this antifouling at all subsequent slippings.

 

 

(May-Aug2017)

 

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