Anti Fouling paint

[mbhenry1955]

OK guys, chime in.


We have a new Benny that sits in the water 24/7. (our 1st. pontoon and the 1st. time leaving a boat in the water)


It's been in the water about a month and I'm already seeing a lower WOT speed.  ( it lost about 2 MPH).


I'm thinking that next year having the tubes painted with anti-foul paint.


What are your experiences and-or thoughts?


Thanks

 

[Michiman]

I'm in the same "boat". Many here swear by Sharkskin but I had no way to apply it before the dealer splashed it last weekend. I'm hoping to battle the build-up by washing down the tubes each weekend at the sandbar. Not sure how I'm ever going to get the middle one cleaned up but I'm going to give it a shot. Already have purchased two micro-fiber washing mitts...


As for the anti-fouling paint, I personally wouldn't go there.

 

[Michiman]

BTW, looks like you have one heck of a boat! Enjoy...

 

[mbhenry1955]

Thank you. 


I have the Shark Hide put on from the factory. 


My dealer says that I may lose up to 5 or 6 mph due to algee build up!


why wouldn't you put on the paint if it were to stop the vegetation build up without effecting the performance?


Thanks

 

[Michiman]

I'm certainly not an expert when it comes to pontoons but I can't imagine painting anything on it unless it was the Sharkhide, and you already have that. I have nothing so plan on wiping them down periodically when we're at the sandbar. Of course, we'll see how easy that is and how long I can keep it up.


Using anti-fouling paint might be common place but I've not noticed anyone here talking about it. 

 

[TomS]

Anti-fouling is usually used for saltwater applications.

 

[SEMPERFI8387]

Shark hide will not stop algae growth. It may help clean them easier, but it's for anti oxidizing of the aluminum. 


From West Marine website:



Are you painting over an aluminum hull or sterndrive?



Use paint with zinc or copper thiocyanate biocides. Bottom paints containing cuprous oxide can’t be used on aluminum because of galvanic action. Vivid, Trilux 33, with cuprous thiocyanate biocide, and zinc pyrithione-based Trilux 33 Aerosol and Alumaspray Plus are formulated for use on aluminum. Conventional paints will destroy

 

[Angela & Michael]

Saltwater boating needs anti fouling paint Unless you pull the boat everyday AND remember to turn off the battery if you leave it at the dock overnight. Believe me it will make a difference.

 

[mbhenry1955]

I'm in fresh water.


I'm just trying to reduce the hard water and algae build up.


We are now looking at a lift!


Thanks

 

[1Blderbob]

I'm in fresh water.


I'm just trying to reduce the hard water and algae build up.


We are now looking at a lift!


Thanks

I'd go for the lift! The paint will slow you down,and it will take for ever to wear off. So if your serious about a lift in the near future. Don't paint! Just my opinion.

 

[BigKahuna]

I'm in the same "boat". Many here swear by Sharkskin but I had no way to apply it before the dealer splashed it last weekend. I'm hoping to battle the build-up by washing down the tubes each weekend at the sandbar. Not sure how I'm ever going to get the middle one cleaned up but I'm going to give it a shot. Already have purchased two micro-fiber washing mitts...


As for the anti-fouling paint, I personally wouldn't go there.

Every time we go out sometime during the day we anchor in a cove and we have our little sponges and we wipe down the waterline of all tubes. I just sit on a throw pillow and float around. (Or you can just put on a water sports vest) You can fit in between the tubes underneath and clean all 3.........

 

[Michiman]

Great to know. Sadly, I haven't see the boat since delivery day. Hopefully will get to use her in the next week or two because I have a feeling the tubs will need some TLC by then.

 

[mbhenry1955]

We have the ESP tubes and I'm so tiny (LOL 300lbs) that I can't fit between the tubes to clean them.  


I have tried cleaning the outside and it won't come off. Must be very hard water that I'm in.