Silicone Bottom Paint

[Jimske]

I spent a lot of time sanding down to a sound paint and applying two coats clear non-blush on the bottom end of last season. The idea of a slick bottom that would be self cleaning in 8 knots awfully attractive . . . . I really hate to do the wrong thing particularly if I'm going to sell anytime soon.

deciisons....decisions?

[Hydra]

There are many documents available regarding the performance of smooth bottom paint. Just google "foul release coating".

It seems that the average saving is around 6% drag reduction for a large ship, compared with a clean standard bottom paint. Grass attaches to the paint when the ship is at rest and washes away when the speed is over 10 knots.

I don't reach such a speed very often with my yacht. It happens, but not often.

Alain

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by travellerw

My exact thoughts.. I HATE silicone on anything.................

A former marina neighbor of mine often had silicone on his boat. Lots of it!

[jedocrat]

These guys are trying Seacote, a silicone-based bottom paint. Might be worth seeing how it pans out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf36euTbI9w

Our Experimental eco-friendly antifouling project begins- Sailing Vessel Delos Ep. 205
Interesting but not for a limited budget like mine!

[brookiesailor]

My husband works in the marine shipping industry and after watching the Delos video we had a discussion about it as he has used it on some of his larger ships.

Like stated earlier, it needs 8-10 knots to remove the growth on its own. The one he is using also has an algicide.
-It was very expensive to put on the bottom of the ship, but one ship it was applied to, then sat in Duala for a month and the bottom looked new.
-He also stated that if stuff is allowed to grow on the bottom and not removed, especially if it is allowed to dry (ie the boat comes out of the water) the bottom is ruined and has to be completely redone.
- It has to be sprayed on and so requires more prep.
-if you change your mind... no bottom paint will stick to it so you will have to completely redo the bottom.