Antifouling for Inflatable Boats?

Skipper February 20, 2006 Ask The Skipper

Captain Marv Market asked:

I understand that you have a product that I can use on the bottom of my Dinghy to help keep it clean when it is in the water for an extended period of time .. what product is it and how well dose it work ?? …

Answer:
For your convenience, I’ve highlighted the hyperlinks. Click on the hyperlink to get more information about the selected product.

The product is Repelin. Be sure to clean and prep the surface with Speed Clean and Poly Guard to protect your tubes and allow for patchability in the event of a puncture.

It works better in the north, where the water is not so warm and the growth so vicious. You will get a full season from two coats. In the Florida area, the bottom will start to slime up after about 3 to 4 weeks. Two coats should last 3 to 6 months if you keep it clean. If you leave it more than that, without wiping off the slime, you will start to get algae and barnacles attaching to the slime, but they are much easier to remove than if you do not protect your bottom.

If you have marine growth now, use Inflatable Bottom Spray to easily remove it without damaging the fabric or adhesives.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora