Marine Growth Prevention Techniques for Your Boat
If you’ve owned a boat for any length of time, you’re likely familiar with the way marine life adheres to the hull, propellers, and running gear. This accumulation, known as biofouling, can include barnacles, algae, and other marine organisms. If neglected, biofouling can lead to corrosion, blockages, and a decrease in vessel efficiency. Thus, to keep your boat in optimal condition, you need to implement measures to prevent this marine growth. Here are four strategies to combat biofouling on your boat’s hull.
Bottom Painting with Anti-fouling Paint
The hull of a boat requires a protective layer to prevent marine growth from adhering to it. Anti-fouling paint, applied in at least two coats, can inhibit this adherence. When choosing bottom paint, ensure it possesses anti-fouling properties. If you’re using a gel coat or marine paint, an antifouling layer should also be applied by your yacht hull painting specialist to prevent the accumulation of marine growth and algae.
Invest in a Marine Growth Prevention System
In conjunction with anti-fouling paint, consider investing in an anti-fouling system to help prevent marine growth on your boat’s hull and running gear. Several types of systems are available:
Electrolytic Antifouling System (EAFS): This system passes DC between pairs of anodes made from copper, aluminum, or iron, producing copper ions that prevent marine organisms from adhering to the boat’s surface.
Ultrasonic Antifouling System: High-frequency waves are utilized to reduce biofouling and prevent marine growth on the boat’s piping and hull. This method not only cleans your hull but also extends the lifespan of bottom paint.
Chemical Dosing: Small quantities of a chemical dispersant, such as ferrous sulfate or ethyl acetate, are periodically injected into the cooling system at the seawater intake point. This creates a protective film that shields the pipework from corrosion and marine growth.
Electro-Chlorination System Anti-Fouling: This system employs chlorine produced at titanium anodes coated with platinum to generate sodium hypochlorite, effectively preventing biofouling. The resultant environment is hostile to barnacles and algae.
Beach to Bay Dive Services started in early 2019 as a commercial dive service. Our team continues to provide our customers with peace of mind knowing that each boat bottom cleaning will be performed correctly from conception to completion at a fair cost. Our reputation has been and continues to be our best advertisement. Recently, Beach to Bay Dive Services has transitioned to Beach to Bay Divers and Pools. Our experienced pool technicians provide a level of service and repairs that assure our pool customers have the same peace of mind as our dive service.