Antifoul, what to use if I don't know what the old stuff is?

[dennisail]

I need to antifoul my boat but I have no idea what the old antifoul is. Is sanding it all off the only option? What about barrier coats? What a good brand antifoul for use in Brisbane?

[tamicatana]

If you want to do it right, and you don't know what you're painting over, best to take it all off, and start back again with an epoxy barrier coat.

[Teknav]

You need a copper-based growth-retarding bottom paint, like Pettit's Marine Paint. Pettit also makes anti-fouling paint without copper; copper is toxic to marine growth. Take care!

Mauritz
Simplicity and elegance through engineering.

[fstbttms]

Most copper-based anti fouling paints are compatible with one another, whether they are hard paints or ablatives and chances are that you have one of those two types on the boat now. But, if in doubt, take it all off and start from scratch.

[dennisail]

Thanks, the boat was last antifouled in Californa, Longbeach. I know they have some strict laws, so the antifoul may not be like anything we have here in Brisbane AU?

This will be the first time I do an antifoul job. Does anyone have any links to articles that I should read? That would also be a great help.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by dennisail

Thanks, the boat was last antifouled in Californa, Longbeach. I know they have some strict laws, so the antifoul may not be like anything we have here in Brisbane AU?

I think you are misinformed. If anybody has strict laws regarding anti fouling paint, it's Oz. There is nothing special about anti fouling paint in California. While you may see different brands on the shelves, when push comes to shove, the paints are probably very similar.