Sprayed with an airless gun is best. The roller does a good job too but can pull off some of the paint if your not careful. The airless gun does not miss any spots either if the surface is not flat. I'm sure the operator will add extra to the leading edges as well.


Of course at my local slips, spray painting is no longer allowed. Apparently the noise from an airless gun is annoying!

Hi Loosechange

Yes same boat. Boat will come out during November which is 2 years since last antifoul, normally I get antifouling every 12 months.

In summary the Ultrasonic system was fitted 7 to 8 months after it was antifouled in November 2011 which is not ideal as it went through a full summer - the recommendation is to fit the system at the time of a fresh antifoul. Ultrasonic system was fitted in July 2012 with an upgrade in design fitted in August 2013.

Result at this point algae dies and as a result shell fish do not survive this is proven. My boat has had less than 50 hours use and mostly at low speed (ie non planning) over the last 2 years which has not been sufficient to continue to fully wash off the dead algae as a result I have lost boat speed. Props, rudders and shafts which have higher water flow look almost clean of any growth.

Since the fitting of the upgraded system I cleaned the s/s swim platform struts below the water line as a test area and in 2 months no shell growth.

Now I have a little more time in life I will be using my boat much more after November.

The metal bits will always attract more shell. Sterndrives need to be antifouled in a hard antifoul. So if you use an ablative on the hull use hard on the sterndrive or prop. Or use one of the propriety sterndrive/prop finishes.

Like other comments my advice is entirely based only on my personal experience.

This link applies to the last 5 haulouts and antiouling done on my boat. The more recent jobs have more details on how, what and how much.

pekeri.com/cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi?page_id=191

During the last 10 years I have kept any eye on ultrasonic antifoul systems and for my mind there are too many variables on installation and effectiveness. Opinions seem to be divided on its merit/value. If pursuing this option talk to boaties that have used the system for at least 5 years, do not rely on entirely on advice of suppliers (kind of like anchor manufactures and sellers - theirs is always the best)

Ultimately my decison to lift out of the water and apply antifoul is based on the opportunity to do a careful inspection of all items under the water, and clean/up & maintenance of rudder, bearings, posts and through hull fittings. I also like the look of the bottom after a new antifoul.

Cheers