Antifoul Advice.

[Captain marky mark]

Was just wondering if anyone had any advice on taking Antifoul paint off. Was at storra marine today and was just going to pick up another tin,to put another coat on the boat to make it look a bit better. But was advised today to remove it if I was just trailering the boat, as it would flake off in time when launching and retrieving. So was just a bit concerned if it would come off ok, and get back to original gel coat fine.

Cheers
Mark

[Kev1n]

Hi Mark. I would work out what type of antifoul is on the boat then give Storrars a call to see what the recommend. There’s different types of antifoul. Like many people, I use an eroding formula that dries to a chalky constancy that you can see if you rub it. Other antifouls are harder, right the way up to coppercoat which is based on epoxy resin.
The type you have will dictate how and if you need to remove it. The eroding or polishing type is designed to slowly wear away, taking weed and bugs with it and will look tatty after several launches but the harder stuff should survive. Give your antifoul a gentle rub with a cloth and if the AF comes off it’s the eroding type. If it doesn’t come off then I’d leave it on the boat.
Whichever type you have, don’t dry sand it, as the dust is nasty stuff. You could try wet sanding but scraping seems to be recommended more often. Some people use chemical peels like specialised paint stripper often based on caustic soda; this softens the paint ready for scraping.
The final thing to look out for is that the hull’s gelcoat will probably have been sanded to abrade and roughen it before painting which may look as untidy as the original antifoul.

[Kartonkel]

I thought you trailer your boat?

no need for antifoul really.

[Captain marky mark]

I do Norbert but it has it already on. Just it's starting to fade and look a bit patchy, so was just thinking it might of been easier just to re- apply another coat rather than remove it all. Personally I would rather take it all off but just a bit concerned what it would be like underneath

[Kartonkel]

I do Norbert but it has it already on. Just it's starting to fade and look a bit patchy, so was just thinking it might of been easier just to re- apply another coat rather than remove it all. Personally I would rather take it all off but just a bit concerned what it would be like underneath

I would use a chemical antifoul remover.

The way your boat looks, it probably has a nice gelcoat underneath.

[Captain marky mark]

Cheers, I will give it a go.