Petit Hydrocoat Anti-Fouling

[timj]

Does anyone have experience with Hydrocoat antifouling?

It is now available in New Zealand. The water based product appeals if it is as effective as regular antifouling.

We use currently Altex Number 5, a locally manufactured ablative product.

[Kettlewell]

Nothing definitive yet as I am about to complete my first season with Hydrocoat in New England. My first impression is that it is very easy to apply, easy to clean up after, and has much less of a nasty chemical smell. However, it is also very soft and has been easily rubbed or scraped off my boat in various places over the season, and I know there are at least some barnacles growing in various places. However, I moor in a very fertile river where that happens with almost any paint. I would recommend having some sort of harder bottom paint underneath, like Trinidad, to provide a more resistant finish when the Hydrocoat gets scraped off in places.

[cburger]

I have recently finished applying Hydrocoat on my boat. On the Hudson river several of my friends have been satisfied enough with the product that they have reapplied. I can't comment on the performance yet only to echo what kettlewell has said that compared to the traditional high voc paints it is a joy to apply, cleans up with water and the price is tough to beat.

[NewMoon]

I've had Hydrocoat on my 26' power cruiser for six summers now without re-applying. Cruising SE Alaska, at only 6-6.5 knots most of the time. Works very well for me.

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by NewMoon

I've had Hydrocoat on my 26' power cruiser for six summers now without re-applying. Cruising SE Alaska, at only 6-6.5 knots most of the time. Works very well for me.

On the trailer most of the time or always in the water?

[NewMoon]

In the water for 2-3 months each summer. On the trailer the rest of the year, except for a week or two at Lake Powell.

[rognvald]

Timj, We used Hydrocoat and its predecessor Aquaclean for 9 years in South Florida and the Caribbean. Underneath was a base coat of Trinidad 75 Blue that we sanded with 80 grit and applied two coats of the ablative. It would last about 18 months with a monthly scrubbing before the blue Trinidad began to show. We moved our boat from South Florida to Lake Michigan in the Great Lakes (fresh water)six years ago. Our season is only 4 months are we are still using the same paint with an occasional touch up around the rudder, keel and waterline. We are very happy with the product and would recommend it for its ease of application and cleanup and good antifoulant properties without the need to repaint when the boat is hauled. Good luck and good sailing, Ron

[timj]

Many thanks to all for advice received. Much appreciated. I think I will use Hydrocoat next time around