Bottom Painting - Length of time vs Water temp

[MV Wanderlust]

G'morning all!

Seems so basic... Am I correct that the temperature of the water has a more or less indirect impact on the length of time that bottom paint will last?

In Florida, we're accustomed to hauling and redoing bottom paint every two to three years. Hulls get dived and cleaned every month but, in the summer months when water temps are highest, the algae and barnacle growth is much faster. Are boats in cooler water where algae and barnacle activity is slower getting longer periods between bottom jobs?

We're planning to retire in three years. At that point, we're going to travel up the east coast in the warmer months and back down in the winter. Snow birds. Snow water birds. Are we correct in thinking that if we are in cooler water and still have the hull cleaned monthly, we may be able to go longer between bottom jobs? Perhaps five years? More?

Thanks.

John

[Olddan1943]

Originally Posted by JohnEasley

G'morning all!

Seems so basic... Am I correct that the temperature of the water has a more or less indirect impact on the length of time that bottom paint will last?

In Florida, we're accustomed to hauling and redoing bottom paint every two to three years. Hulls get dived and cleaned every month but, in the summer months when water temps are highest, the algae and barnacle growth is much faster. Are boats in cooler water where algae and barnacle activity is slower getting longer periods between bottom jobs?

We're planning to retire in three years. At that point, we're going to travel up the east coast in the warmer months and back down in the winter. Snow birds. Snow water birds. Are we correct in thinking that if we are in cooler water and still have the hull cleaned monthly, we may be able to go longer between bottom jobs? Perhaps five years? More?

Thanks.

John

John, if you notice, the necessity of cleaning your seawater strainers is less frequent in the winter, even in FL
You diver should be able to give you some guidance for the condition of the bottom paint. I think it would be a real stretch to wait 5 years. I would recommend every 2 years and 2 coats. IF you elect to try and stretch it 3 years, that is your decision.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by JohnEasley

Am I correct that the temperature of the water has a more or less indirect impact on the length of time that bottom paint will last?

You are not correct. An anti fouling paint's effective lifespan is 100% determined by the amount of biocide in the paint and the rate at which that biocide is designed to be released into the water. Water temperature plays little or no part in this. Further, most anti fouling paints are formulated to perform well for around three years, give or take. Five years is an unrealistic expectation, regardless of where you do your boating.

[s/v Moondancer]

We spent 6 years sailing between the northern US and the Caribbean...We painted the bottom every two years.

[billgewater]

The worst growth rate of all sorts of stuff (I observed) on boat bottoms was at Hout Bay in South Africa. Very cold water, but extremely rapid weed and barnacle growth.
I suspect that if the water environment changes regularly (e.g. fresh to saline, cold to warm), then the environmental changes will sort out many organisms.
If you want to become an instant zillionaire, discover and market a safe antifouling alternative with a guaranteed life of ten or more years.
What I have noticed that sometimes you may see a particular rock or sand that has no apparent growth on it. Interesting. How come?