Anti-fouling

[willbank]

Hi all, I've searched around but can't find any definitive answers: I have a 6.5m XS Rib which I will be putting into the water in Cornwall around 21 July and taking out in early September.

Would you give the hull a lick of anti-fouling for this duration? If so which brand/type would you recommend?

Thanks for any advice!

Will

[willk]

If you can manage a hull wash after three weeks it will just about be OK

Antifouling will devalue the RIB and be a load of work

If it has been previously antifouled, and washing is a hassle, then a quick lick of an ablative like Cruiser Uno will get you away. Advice from the area you are mooring in would be good - not all antifouls do well in certain localities.

[willbank]

Originally Posted by willk

Antifouling will devalue the RIB and be a load of work

Interesting, thanks - I didn't know that and the hull has never been anti-fouled to date. So for long term value it is best to keep the hull unpainted but pressure washed periodically?

[willk]

Originally Posted by willbank

So for long term value it is best to keep the hull unpainted but pressure washed periodically?

Absolutely! A pressure wash every three weeks should work but ideally every two weeks - it depends entirely on growth. Once you can feel barnacles under your fingertips, it's time to wash.