Anti Foul-Hull Prep In The Fall

[Ducati]

Not that I'm looking forward to the end of sailing but was wondering if I can prep and anti foul in the fall. I hate rushing the job in the spring and would like to get it over with and have it ready for the next season.

Any reason why this might not be a good idea?

 

[Warren Milberg]

Other than the cost of a haul out in the fall, and the time lost sailing, I don't see any reason you couldn't bottom paint your boat at that time. I'd use a couple of coats of quality multi-season ablative and I'd probably powerwash or scruff up the bottom in the spring just prior to launch if the boat has been hauled for the winter.

 

[kloudie1]

Some paints must be wetted within a certain time after painting.. then they can be taken out.. That info should be available on the paint company's web site.. some paints will be fine with wintering out first..

 

[druid]

The reason we do it in the spring up here is that the main growth is in the summer, and the bottom paint is most effective right after it's done. I've done it in the fall, but often the paint is not effective by the summer and I get growth.

druid

 

[MagothyBoy]

I do mine in August. Sailing conditions on the Chesapeake are usually not so great and I get fresh paint on her when the water temps are highest in September. I leave her in the water over the winter.

 

[jcastle]

If you are going to repaint in the fall, be sure to use an ablative bottom paint can be out for months and can be pressure washed/ lightly scuffed and put back in the water in the spring ready to go. Hard bottom paint is just that, "hard" when the outerlayer is oxidized - its done, over, no good! The paint will no longer prevent growth after being out for several months and it will NOT work in the spring.

Here is the reason: The copper in the paint oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized copper is ineffective for preventing marine growth.

Ablative bottom paint wears away much like a bar of soap. This constantly exposes new, fresh, unoxidized copper. So once you leave your boat out for an extended period, and pressure wash, lightly scuff, or run the boat...you will expose fresh copper that will protect against growth.

So you can paint in the fall as long as you choose a multi-season ablative bottom paint.