Copper-Epoxy as Antifouling

[Angélique]

Hello all,

I read this Dutch article about an experiment with a self made copper epoxy mix. It should work as antifouling for ten years, even in salt water! And it would be legal in the Netherlands where many antifoulings are prohibited now. The site claims that its cheaper, simpler, more effective and environmental friendly.

Dutch:
http://www.water-experience.nl/jooml...cten&Itemid=10

Google translation, Dutch > Enlish:
http://translate.google.com/translat...state0=&swap=1

Are there any experiences here with copper-epoxy as antifouling?

If it's already discused here please give a link.

Regards,

Angel

P.S. added the title a bit (10-24-2009)

[TeddyDiver]

http://www.coppercoat.com/
Should be good I've heard..

[simon]

Would be interesting to hear from someone with experience. All I have read, until now, is about applying the copper epoxy, but no recounts about how it worked over the years.
My boat had copper epoxy applied by the first owners and they wrote on the their website that they needed to clean the hulls way to often.
They also thought that it makes a good base for antifouling. A rather expensive primer.

[AndrewK]

About 15 years ago copper epoxy was being promoted in Australia, I tried two different products on my keel and rudder. One was based on fine copper powder and the other so called coloidal copper flakes. Performance of both was well below convetional self polishing antifoul paints.
Water temperature here is 19 - 26'C.

[Ad Hoc]

Whatever you do, do not use it on aluminium..!!!

[masalai]

It is on my boat, and many other Oram designs and some others too... I will launch in April 2010 so ask me after then... fine copper spheres (dust - almost like heavy talcum powder applied in a mix of about 50% by volume to mixed epoxy/hardner and applied by roller in several layers, almost continuously as the mix goes off quickly so make small batches, mix and apply then move to the next portion to be done... 3 or 4 layers and about 4kg per 40 ft hull for a lightweight cat. - - - Also becomes quite hard and IS NOT sandable and will cut your hand if there are any "sharp bits" where you rub your hand against the cured area... only use on glass/epoxy built boats and be cautious or electrolysis on through hull, prop-shaft, outboard/alloy legs etc... and add one or more of these, on advice, for electronic earthing "Moonraker-eplate-1.pdf" or another version to meet your other electrolysis/earthing needs...

[simon]

but, anyone used it for years with success?

[masalai]

Varying levels, seems related to copper exposed to oceans, earlier commercial products were small flakes, for me the "powder" seems best and "Schools Out" is cruising now, and I think it was on their previous (smaller) cat as well... The "urination" test left a copper oxide "green/blue" stains indicating effective leaching, so it is effective there...