Fouling Of Under Water Area

[Joel_lloyd]

Dear All,

We constructed a Wooden boat about six months ago and the under water area after traditional caulking and sanding was painted with antifouling paint.

We have now noted that there is marine growth algae and corn barnacles, at quite a few locations on the underwater area. Would need your advise on :

1. The reason for the marine growth on the underwater area.
2. Would this growth affect the wood .
3. If the boat is hauled out of water what would be your recommendations to avoid this in future.

[michael pierzga]

Type of paint ? film thickness ? Modern anti fouling paint is very effective.

[Joel_lloyd]

Hi

I would like to know if the marine growth is going to affect the wood, since the vessel does not sail much , we are only worried of the marine growth affecting the wood.

[Joel_lloyd]

Would it be advisable to haul her up and then treat the bottom or can we buy some time , If it does not affect the wood.

[michael pierzga]

I dont know..each geographic region is different. Some marine creatures bore into wood and consume it. Seek local advice.

[PAR]

Since you don't use the boat much, you can expect much higher growth rates then yachts that are regularly used.

To directly answer the question about growth, yes, it can affect the planking, the caulking and seam compound. Neglect is the very thing that wooden boats can tolerate the least. Lack of use is considered neglect, because she's not having her bottom paint refreshed with sloughing action. It also means she isn't receiving other attention, such as keeping her clean. Neglect is the quickest way to kill a wooden boat.

If you want you bottom paint to do it's job, you need to use the boat.