Copper Coat

[250kts]

We took the plunge this year and decided to have the RIB anti-fouled. After assessing all the options, went for Copper Coat.
It is more expensive than most (although a good trade price was given), but should last for a considerable time. We purchased 6 ltrs which is good for 5 coats and is strange to see only 3 ltrs of resin and the same of pure copper power.
The guys who prep'ed the hull and applied said it was a bit of a pain and really would be better applied in much warmer temperatures, but got a good finish.
I will update on how we get on. However, on the trip back to Poole today, saw a speed of 60mph which I have never seen before and dont know if this is due to the Copper Coat or the conditions or both?
Steve

[GJ0KYZ]

I put Coppercoat on my hull four years ago and it's still working fine.

[chewy]

My Dads Aquabell was done about 8 years ago and comes out cleaner than some boats that have been pressure washed.
Well worth the money.

[ewan clark]

In reply to 250kts, and just as a quick clarrification to those who are unfamiliar with Coppercoat, a package of 6 litres of Coppercoat consists of 6 half-litre pots of base epoxy, 6 half-litre pots of epoxy activator (which, when mixed together, makes 6 litres of epoxy resin) and 6 bags of fine copper powder. By the time the copper is mixed in, the total volume of a 6 litre package is actually nearer 9 litres!

With regards to hull speed, removing conventional paint anti-foul and replacing it with Coppercoat epoxy anti-foul should provide an improvement. Conventional anti-foul paint absorbs water, and in so doing swells, roughens and increases in weight. The unfortunate side effect of this is that it adds drag and blunts boat speed and efficiency (even when new, freshly applied and clean). On the other hand, epoxy anti-fouls such as Coppercoat are waterproof. They do not add drag and do not slow the boat as paints do. Consequently it is to be expected that your RIB should have a new and improved top speed. Of course it's primary job is keep the hull clean, but the fact that it provides increased hull performance is a nice bonus.

I don't wish to highjack the thread, but thought that a couple of explanations from us (the manufacturers of Coppercoat) may prove helpful to all.

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Originally Posted by ewan clark

In reply to 250kts, and just as a quick clarrification to those who are unfamiliar with Coppercoat, a package of 6 litres of Coppercoat consists of 6 half-litre pots of base epoxy, 6 half-litre pots of epoxy activator (which, when mixed together, makes 6 litres of epoxy resin) and 6 bags of fine copper powder. By the time the copper is mixed in, the total volume of a 6 litre package is actually nearer 9 litres!

With regards to hull speed, removing conventional paint anti-foul and replacing it with Coppercoat epoxy anti-foul should provide an improvement. Conventional anti-foul paint absorbs water, and in so doing swells, roughens and increases in weight. The unfortunate side effect of this is that it adds drag and blunts boat speed and efficiency (even when new, freshly applied and clean). On the other hand, epoxy anti-fouls such as Coppercoat are waterproof. They do not add drag and do not slow the boat as paints do. Consequently it is to be expected that your RIB should have a new and improved top speed. Of course it's primary job is keep the hull clean, but the fact that it provides increased hull performance is a nice bonus.

I don't wish to highjack the thread, but thought that a couple of explanations from us (the manufacturers of Coppercoat) may prove helpful to all.

In terms of speed, fundamentally I'd agree, I have to as technically there is more friction. In the real world though, i noticed no difference on the GPS with and without antifoul.

[willk]

Originally Posted by HUMBER P4VWL

In the real world though, i noticed no difference on the GPS with and without antifoul.

In the "Real" real world, you have to be moving to test this properly....

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Originally Posted by willk

In the "Real" real world, you have to be moving to test this properly....

5 points to you sir.

My top speed of 0 did not alter.

[kerny]

Originally Posted by willk

In the "Real" real world, you have to be moving to test this properly....

yep I agree not much movement moored to a buoy is there...

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Originally Posted by kerny

yep I agree not much movement moored to a buoy is there...

There is on the Strait! Effectively up to about 8 knots against the tide, that's quicker than yours at WOT

[jambo]

Willk I love the new Avatar. I take it you will be changing your tag to Zorro