Selecting the right antifouling for your boat

What is antifouling & what are the different types of paint?   Antifouling is a special paint designed to to prevent the hull fouling with marine growth.

Self polishing / Erodible Antifouling - A resin of active ingredients (biocides) repels / discourages fouling.  Once in the water, the resin breaks down in a controlled way, continually exposing fresh biocide layers.  This gives constant performance throughout the season, and reduces build-up of old antifouling.

Hard Antifouling - The coat's high levels of insoluble resin make it hard and stop erosion. The resin's packed with active ingredients, and the particles are so close that as one desolves the next is exposed. Hardness and durability makes these anti foulings ideal for fast power boats, mud-berthed vessels and racing yachts (burnishing the antifouling with wet abrasive paper before launch gives a smooth finish).

Traditional / Soft Antifouling - A simple resin (gum rosin or rosin derivatives) disperses active ingredients with the binder. Water soluble, it progressively dissolves / erodes, giving low cost protection.

Force 4 Guide: Simple guide to antifouling your boat