Will Algae Strip damage Bottom Paint

Skipper October 9, 2012 Ask The Skipper

Michel Boisvert asked:

Hi I have a sail boat with antifouling , so can I use Algae Strip to clean Algae without damaging the antifouling? Or what else to use, you recommend.

Answer:

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Algae Strip will not remove most antifouling paints, however it may lighten the color. In addition it may convert some of the water insoluble cupric oxide (the poisonous neurotoxin that they put in anti-fouling paint) into a water soluble cupric chloride but this will wash away when the boat is in the water to reveal fresh cupric oxide that is still in the paint.

If you are getting growth on your boat bottom, this would tell me that the anti-fouling paint is exhausted and needs to be replaced or you may wish to strip it off and go to VS721. This product is clear, non toxic, inert so that it’s environment friendly and much easier to clean and reapply.

Thank you for your question,

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar