Thermal spray coatings & antifouling on steel yachts

[SeaSpark]

I have heard of zinc "Thermal spray coatings" being applied to steel yachts to prevent corrosion and fouling. Never heard of the results.

Does anyone have experience with this way of protecting a yacht?

From: http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/zebra/...y_coatings.htm

Thermal-spray coatings are metallic coatings such as zinc, copper, and brass. Thermal-sprayed coatings are applied by melting a wire feedstock and propelling the molten droplets in a stream of compressed air on the surface to be treated. These coatings repel zebra mussels through the slow dissolution of metal ions into the water. Zinc thermal spray also provides excellent corrosion resistance on steel surfaces. Copper and brass should never be applied directly to steel because the steel will corrode. Thermal spray coatings should not be used on nonferrous metal substrates. With proper surface preparation they may be used on concrete. Thermal spray coatings are potentially the most durable and lasting zebra-mussel repellent coatings.

[MikeJohns]

Jeroen
Often called flame spraying just splatters molton metal onto the (pre blasted) steel surface , works well when properly applied. It should never be applied below the waterline and It cannot be recommended as a boat anti-foulant treatment.

Modern zinc rich paints are pretty good these days so the flame spraying has dropped off lately, that means the wire becomes more expensive on exconomy of scale. If you were inventive you could melt zinc ingots into the pot of a home made spray gun with care it could be safely done.


Cheers