Antifouling
21/10/2025
Whether you leave your boat in the water year round or it is lifted in or out regularly, it is likely that the vessels hull will attract marine life and eventually create fouling of not just the hull, but other components such as rudders, steering systems, trim tabs as well as propellors and prop shafts.
All of this will have an effect on fuel consumption and performance, leading to additional environmental pollution.
However, antifouling is not without its own environmental effects. Many antifouling products contain heavy metals within them, such as copper and zinc. These work to keep the hull clean, but with their leaching effect that is designed to prevent any build up, some large quantities of these harmful products can get into the marine environment and therefore into marine wildlife.
Even that have minimal contact within the water, such as those which are lifted regularly or on a daily bases, also pose there own pollution issues. removal of old or redundant anti foul prior to re-application will potentially cause problems to the water course and marine environment.
The Green Blue method along with the British Coating Federation - BCF, promote the: Protect, Collect, Dispose - Antifouling Initiative.
Let's do our bit to protect the environment, that offers us such a wonderful place to boat for Free. Surely it's the least we can do!
