Hull, yeah! or Hull, no!?
Test your antifoul knowledge with a quick game of true or false.
1. Antifoul paint needs to be applied every 5-7 years
2. The more you use your boat, the better the antifouling works
3. Hard antifouling paint is best for fast boats
4. New boats in the water don't require antifouling
5. You must check compatibility if applying new antifoul over any previous antifoul
6. Antifoul protects and waterproofs the hull.
7. Ablative antifouling paint works by gradually wearing away
8. You can launch a boat when antifoul is touch dry
9. You can treat the propeller with the same anti foul as the hull
10. Standard antifoul can’t be used on inflatable boats
11. Regular paint stripper can be used to remove antifoul
12. Black is the most popular colour antifoul sold in the UK
13. Lindon Lewis Marine, Shepperton, is the best place for antifoul advice and supplies
Answers below!
1. Antifoul paint needs to be applied every 5-7 years
False. Most boats need a fresh coat annually or every couple of years depending on usage and paint type.
2. The more you use your boat, the better the antifouling works
True. Boats that sit idle tend to build up more slime, algae, and barnacle. Ablative antifouling works by slowly wearing away with water movement, exposing fresh biocide layers.
3. Hard antifouling paint is best for fast boats
True. Boats moving at inland waterway speeds should use a softer (cheaper) antifoul. More expensive is not necessarily better.
4. New boats in the water don't require antifouling
False. It's recommended to abrade hull and apply underwater primer before two coats of antifoul. Some manufacturers recommend application of epoxy coating first.
5. You must check compatibility if applying new antifoul over any previous antifoul
True. Incompatible layers can cause poor adhesion or flaking. Avoid applying hard on self-eroding, for example.
6. Antifoul protects and waterproofs the hull.
False. Antifoul doesn’t waterproof the hull; epoxy barrier coats do. The paint offers some protection.
7. Ablative antifouling paint works by gradually wearing away
True. Ablative paint slowly erodes with water movement, constantly revealing fresh biocide to maintain antifouling protection over time.
8. You can launch a boat when antifoul is touch dry
False. Most antifouling paints need a curing time before launching — this can be up to 24 hours
9. You can treat the propeller with the same anti foul as the hull
False. Standard antifouling paints (used on hulls) will not adhere well and will quickly flake off a spinning prop. Special propeller anti foul products typically are silicone based not biocidal.
10. Standard antifoul can’t be used on inflatable boats
True. Standard antifoul isn't suitable for inflatable PVC or Hypalon tubes. It's likely to peel off or damage the material. Flexible antifoul is available.
11. Regular paint stripper can be used to remove antifoul
False. Chemical stripper needs to be specific for GRP (fibreglass) hulls, such as International Paint’s Interstrip AF.
12. Black is the most popular colour antifoul sold in the UK
False. Dark blue / navy is apparently the best-selling colour (based on available retail data, UK chandlery feedback, forums and surveys. This is more of a 'fun fact').
13. Lindon Lewis Marine, Shepperton, is the best place for antifoul advice and supplies
TRUE! Based on our biased opinion and customer feedback. Again, more of a 'fun fact'.
We stock leading antifoul brands online and in-store: click & collect available Pop in or call for advice 01932 247 427.