RIB Anti fouled

[SimonW]

I am new to the rib world and am looking for my first rib. One I'm looking at has been anti-fouled (about 4 years old). Apparently it sat on moorings during the season and stored inside in the winter. Is this anti fouling a problem - can it be removed - I'm planning to keep boat on trailer not in the water? Any advice welcome!

[GJ0KYZ]

I'd leave it on; it'd be too much hassle and expense to remove it.

[Dry Run]

I'd be inclined to agree and leave it on. You can remove it but it's a long and painful job if you do it yourself and therefore expensive if you get someone else to do it. Also, if it has been applied correctly, the hull will have been sanded to "key" the primer, so you will need the hull refinished to get it back to a shine. Hope that helps!

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Just leave it on, no harm in it.

[SimonW]

Thanks for the advice - does it devalue the boat or affect performance?

[willk]

Originally Posted by SimonW

Thanks for the advice - does it devalue the boat or affect performance?

Yes to devaluation, especially if it is going to spend it's time in someone's driveway, where it won't be as easy on the eye. It will take a knot or two off your top speed.

[NeilH]

I had the same issue - was peeling off and looking horrible (thought the hull was falling apart!). A nice man at the yacht club spent a couple of days stripping it back - obviously cost me something - but really glad I did it. Reckon it goes a bit quicker and looks much better
Cheers
Neil

[GJ0KYZ]

Originally Posted by willk

Yes to devaluation, especially if it is going to spend it's time in someone's driveway, where it won't be as easy on the eye. It will take a knot or two off your top speed.

I don't think it will devalue the boat at all. I mean, no-one's going to say "Well, normally I'd be interested, but that anti-fouling you know, it doesn't really fit in with my petunias." My boat's anti-fouled (Coppercoated actually) and I think it looks rock. As for speed, I didn't notice any effect and the good thing is I don't have to paint the hull again for another 15 years.

[willk]

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

I don't think it will devalue the boat at all. I mean, no-one's going to say "Well, normally I'd be interested, but that anti-fouling you know, it doesn't really fit in with my petunias." My boat's anti-fouled (Coppercoated actually) and I think it looks rock. As for speed, I didn't notice any effect and the good thing is I don't have to paint the hull again for another 15 years.

I didn't address the benefits of antifouling as the OP didn't ask.

I think you are mistaken regarding the effect it has on a boat's value.

On large craft that will routinely be moored for a season (e.g. yours), it is neither here nor there, unless the buyer suspects it may be concealing damage.

On smaller trailered craft it's another matter. Antifoul makes a boat less attractive to many buyers, this must have some effect on value. Your Coppercoat is a red herring as in 99.9% of cases, that's not what's on boats. Antifoul paint most certainly effects performance, but this will be hard to spot on a fastish rig like yours, more so on slower boats. Hence the market for burnishable antifouling products.

For the OP's info, if the boat is good and the price is right, go for it but forget about removing antifoul from a medium to large rib. Best case scenario, clean it off, prep/smooth the surface and paint it.

[GJ0KYZ]

Originally Posted by willk

I didn't address the benefits of antifouling as the OP didn't ask.

I think you are mistaken regarding the effect it has on a boat's value.

On large craft that will routinely be moored for a season (e.g. yours), it is neither here nor there, unless the buyer suspects it may be concealing damage.

On smaller trailered craft it's another matter. Antifoul makes a boat less attractive to many buyers, this must have some effect on value. Your Coppercoat is a red herring as in 99.9% of cases, that's not what's on boats. Antifoul paint most certainly effects performance, but this will be hard to spot on a fastish rig like yours, more so on slower boats. Hence the market for burnishable antifouling products.

For the OP's info, if the boat is good and the price is right, go for it but forget about removing antifoul from a medium to large rib. Best case scenario, clean it off, prep/smooth the surface and paint it.

I agree, definitely apply new anti-foul rather than remove the old stuff, and yes, I suppose thinking about it, a boat with old anti-foul in the driveway would be less appealing. I find it hard to believe that anyone would try using that as an excuse to haggle over the price though. As for burnishable anti-foul, I wonder how long it stays shiny. You can polish up Coppercoat but it goes either green or black (depending if your boat dries out) very quickly.