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A Guide to Ablative Paint

Ablative paint, also known as self-polishing antifouling paint, is a specialized marine coating designed to protect boat hulls from the growth of marine organisms such as barnacles, algae, and mollusks. Unlike traditional paints that form a hard barrier, ablative paint works through a process called “ablative action,” where the outer layer gradually wears away, releasing biocides that deter marine growth. This continuous wearing away of the paint helps to prevent the buildup of marine organisms on the hull.

The lifespan of ablative paint can vary depending on factors such as water conditions, boat usage, and the specific paint formula. Generally, ablative paint lasts one to three seasons before needing reapplication.

One of the key benefits of using ablative paint is its effectiveness at preventing marine growth, which can improve boat performance and fuel efficiency. Additionally, ablative paint is relatively easy to apply and maintain, as it does not require sanding between coats. This makes it a convenient choice for boat owners looking for an effective antifouling solution.

Ablative paint can typically be applied over other types of paint after proper surface preparation. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for compatibility and preparation. Application of ablative paint involves cleaning and preparing the hull surface, applying the paint evenly, and allowing it to dry before launching the boat.

Many ablative paints are formulated to be environmentally friendly, but it’s important to check the product specifications and use guidelines to ensure proper handling and disposal. Ablative paint can be used in freshwater, but its effectiveness may vary compared to use in saltwater due to differences in marine growth and environmental conditions.

There are two main types of ablative paints: self-polishing and non-polishing. Self-polishing ablative paints wear away gradually, releasing biocides and polishing the surface to maintain effectiveness. Non-polishing ablative paints rely on the leaching of biocides without significant surface polishing.

To choose the right ablative paint for your boat, consider factors such as the type of water you will be boating in (saltwater or freshwater), the speed and frequency of use of your boat, and the specific antifouling needs based on the local marine environment. Following manufacturer recommendations for application and maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance of the ablative paint. If you need any help selecting the right ablative paint for your boat just give us a call 888.505.2313 M-Fri 9am – 5pm EST.

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Best bottom paint for frequent diving/cleaning

• Thread starter Nachismo
• Start date Dec 20, 2023
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

I tried to be a good person by applying Eco bottom paint. It fouled in about 16 months. Divers wouldn’t clean because it’s too ablative. I have since become SCUBA certified & very much enjoy cleaning my hull. Just wondering what people recommend for someone like me, living aboard & happily diving to clean every couple months. Hard paint? What if I just add another barrier coat?  

Don’t think that a barrier coat is going to help your situation, unless you are concerned about moisture penetration thru gelcoat & underlying laminate. If you’re planning to clean the bottom frequently, perhaps a “hard” antifouling paint would be more suitable than an ablative paint. Petit Trinidad is a hard paint that has been around for many years and consistently been highly rated. Down side, as with all “hard” paints, is more aggressive standing after a few applications to prevent excessive paint build up.  

American_Mainsail

I'm very much interested in the same thing, Nachismo. I'm interested in exactly your question. I am also SCUBA certified and clean my own hull. I do my friend's boats too. I use one of these, most of the time, when there's a lot of fouling present: Remora Solo - Remora Marine, Inc There are different brushes available (from soft to hard, and even some specialized brushes that can tackle some hard growth). It's not cheap, but is a real godsend in our cold, very tidal waters. Current limits the time that in-water cleaning is even an option. When antifouling paint gets talked about, the "serviceability" of the paint is not often discussed, and I think that's missing a seriously important point. Especially for people that are trying to get several (or three) seasons out of their paint. The cheap/ish/er premium ablative antifouling paints (many people up here use West Marine PCA Premium ablative and this is what I have experience cleaning) have to be treated very gently when they're fresh, which is a pain (again, in warmer waters where there's less tidal current problems, time isn't as much of the essence), but they tend to work very well in the beginning of their life, so it's fairly easy to service them. As they age, it can become more of a challenge to get the hull sufficiently clean without taking off too much paint. It's a delicate balancing act. My experience here is that the WM PCA Premium protects very well, especially in the first season. The general thinking that I've adopted for paint like this is one coat per an expected season. I try to stretch three seasons out of a bottom job, so three coats. The price is very reasonable (IMO). PCA Premium Ablative Antifouling Paint, Gallon | West Marine I have also cleaned, I'm racking my memory a little so bear with me, what I believe was Petit ViViD in white in its first season after applying. It's expensive. It was a dream to clean and I was able to get it spotless because of how well the fouling stood out against the bright white hull. All of the fouling was of the soft growth/algae type, which was easy to clean, but I suspect that paints that are more ablative would stand up better to algae/soft growth. The paint is very durable, and I'm sure that it will withstand many cleanings. I'm not sure how long the copper itself will last, as it is a hybrid ablative/hard paint, and how it will wear in time for the sake of removal (see my comments below about paint wearing over time). https://www.jamestowndistributors.c...tL3N3pBzHsojF3CBKIcxhYNvlxZ2xffQaAjf4EALw_wcB Practical Sailor recently did a really fantastic bottom paint test in Chesapeake Bay (brackish waters - common for many boats) and ended up recommending Total Boat Krypton. It's a copper-free (environmentally friendly, which I've seen is possibly up for debate) paint and it's advertised as single-season. PS was able to get the best performance out of it. I'm unsure of how well it will perform in a multi-season situation. The test in their Dec. '23 edition suggests that it works very well after 18 months on a real boat that moves often. I'm unsure of how it will stand up to maintenance as it ages. TotalBoat Krypton Copper-Free Antifouling Boat Bottom Paint Bottom Paints for Brackish Water at 1 Year - Practical Sailor (the test is behind a paywall, but honestly, this test alone is worth the subscription to PS) A couple factors have started to stand out to me with bottom paint: 1. In my area, a soft fouling additive, "anti-slime" (Irgasol, which is banned, but there are replacements) is important. WM PGA Gold has one in it, as do many premium paints. Soft growth is the main problem in the beginning of the paint's life, so this additive is helpful to keep maintenance down early in the game. Hard growth becomes more of a factor as the paint ages. Cheap paints that don't contain an anti slime additive will need a lot of maintenance, which is difficult because they don't stand up to cleaning well. 2. Cheap paints (the budget, single season ablative paints) don't control their ablasion rate well. They work fine for a little while, then they go "dead" (don't protect at all or nearly at all) and tend to leave a lot of dead paint behind, which has to be sanded off. Even my Remora won't take the "dead paint" patches off. I believe that the mechansim behind the action here is that the copper ablative is suspended in a matrix that contains a lot of hard material. When the copper has ablated out, the matrix is left behind, which has to be removed by you or someone you're paying. The paints that advertise some kind of controlled or engineered ablation rate will tend closer to paying for themselves in longevity between haul-outs and less maintenance (sanding/sand blasting/chemical removal - this is a whole other issue) in the long run. I clean some boats, and see many others in the boatyard, that have layers and layers of this cheap antifouling built up since they are repainted every season with cheap, single season ablative paint. It makes a mess and is a lot of work to ultimately maintain in a sustainable way. Most people don't spend the time needed in the boatyard in the spring to sand back last season's paint (I'm guilty as charged). Looking forward to hearing others thoughts on this.  

Excellent information. Thanks  

Petitt Trinidad is the is the gold standard for scrubable bottom paint. Before puting hard paint over soft paint your are going to need to remove the soft paint (or there are some tie oats if it is VERY solid). I doubt you'll happy diving that often, year round. 16 months is not bad. Repaint. I just tested 26 paints for PS, and Total Boat Krypton was very good (copper free, slightly harder ablative). Eco paints did not do well at all, so that may be the problem. Try Krypton.  

thinwater said: Petitt Trinidad is the is the gold standard for scrubable bottom paint. Before puting hard paint over soft paint your are going to need to remove the soft paint (or there are some tie oats if it is VERY solid). I doubt you'll happy diving that often, year round. 16 months is not bad. Repaint. I just tested 26 paints, and Total Boat Krypton was very good (copper free, slightly harder ablative). Click to expand

I'm using Trinidad HD and am very impressed with its performance. I've only had to dive two or three times this year since putting it on, and those were simple cleaning jobs, mostly slim or close to surface algae. I've been in some pretty fouling active areas.... Wish the heck id thought to use it on my hydrovane rudder! Dang, that's been keeping me busy! dj  

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

thinwater said: Petitt Trinidad is the is the gold standard for scrubable bottom paint. Click to expand

Mark Maulden

in the PNW, I use Pettit SR 60 every two years. In between, i do light scrubs with a “brush” made of PVC pipe that has a cross piece wrapped with a pool noodle (flotation) and a piece of thin carpet. Racers do this every wed before racing..I can get down the keel about 2 ft before flotation kicks in. I‘ve never had barnies on the keel though.  

Mark Maulden said: in the PNW, I use Pettit SR 60 every two years. In between, i do light scrubs with a “brush” made of PVC pipe that has a cross piece wrapped with a pool noodle (flotation) and a piece of thin carpet. Racers do this every wed before racing..I can get down the keel about 2 ft before flotation kicks in. I‘ve never had barnies on the keel though. Click to expand

Nachismo said: Just wondering what people recommend for someone like me, living aboard & happily diving to clean every couple months. Hard paint? Click to expand

fstbttms said: Ask your former hull cleaner what he thinks is the most durable and effective paint in your area. He will likely tell you that it's one of the current plavors of Pettit Trinidad. Click to expand

American_Mainsail said: Fst - what's your take on how gracefully Trinidad wears over time with maintenance cleaning? ...Would a light sand and recoat work? Click to expand

Attachments

@American_Mainsail , “@jssailem mentioned that the yard took everything back to bare fiberglass for blister repair,” Is not quite right. My underlaid color was red. Red was applied in 2014 before I bought the boat. In 2018 the red was sanded using 80grit. 2 coats of Blue Pettit Trinidad were applied. That is what you see in the image from 2023. Wear shows on the leading edges. Yes I believe the wear was fairly even. In 2023 the boat was sanded to expose the red layer. Again noticeable blister were sanded to under lying hull glass.The blister was covered with thickened epoxy to fill the area exposed. The hull was washed, Sanded to fair the hull. 2 coats of barrier coat paint applied to the areas of blister repair and allowed to harden. The boat hull was again washed, sanded to provide a suitable surface for bottom paint. Then 2 coats of Pettit Trinidad was applied. The leading edges of keel and rudder were given a third coat from the left over of the 2 gallons of paint.  

Thanks very much for clarifying @jssailem !  

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Table of Contents

What is Ablative Bottom Paint?

If you’re new to the world of sailboats and bottom paint, you may be wondering, “What exactly is ablative bottom paint?” Ablative bottom paint is a type of anti-fouling paint specially formulated to prevent marine growth on the bottom of your sailboat. Unlike hard bottom paints that create a smooth surface that marine life struggles to adhere to, ablative bottom paint slowly wears away over time, releasing biocides that deter organisms from attaching to the hull of the boat.

Think of it as a protective shield for your sailboat’s hull

Ablative bottom paint acts as a protective shield for your sailboat’s hull, keeping it clean and smooth while improving its performance in the water. By preventing marine growth, ablative bottom paint helps reduce drag, increase fuel efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your boat.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Ablative Bottom Paint

With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best ablative bottom paint for your sailboat. To make the selection process easier for you, here are some essential factors to consider:

Water Conditions:

Consider the type of water your sailboat will be in. Different ablative bottom paints are designed for specific water conditions, such as freshwater, saltwater, and brackish water. Choose a paint that is suitable for the environment your sailboat will be navigating .

Boat Material:

The material of your sailboat’s hull plays a crucial role in selecting the right ablative bottom paint. Different hull materials, such as fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and steel, require specific types of bottom paint to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.

Biocide Content:

Check the biocide content of the ablative bottom paint you are considering. Biocides are active ingredients that prevent marine growth, and the percentage of biocide in the paint determines its effectiveness. Ensure that the biocide content meets the regulations in your area to protect the marine ecosystem.

Antifouling Period:

Consider the antifouling period of the ablative bottom paint. This refers to how long the paint will remain effective in preventing marine growth before needing recoating. Choose a paint with a suitable antifouling period based on your sailboat’s usage and maintenance schedule.

Application Method:

Some ablative bottom paints are designed for easy application, such as brush-on, roll-on, or spray-on options. Consider the application method that is most convenient for you and ensure that you have the necessary tools and equipment for a smooth painting process.

Set a budget for purchasing ablative bottom paint and consider the cost per gallon or liter. Remember to factor in additional expenses such as primers, cleaners, and protective gear. Choose a high-quality paint that offers value for money and meets your sailboat’s specific needs.

Popular Ablative Bottom Paint Brands

To help you narrow down your options, here are some popular ablative bottom paint brands that are trusted by sailors worldwide:

Interlux Micron CSC:

Interlux Micron CSC is a top choice among sailors for its multi-season antifouling protection and controlled polishing formula. It is suitable for all hull materials and provides excellent protection against barnacles, zebra mussels, and algae.

Pettit Hydrocoat:

Pettit Hydrocoat is a water-based ablative bottom paint that offers superior adhesion, durability, and resistance to slime and marine growth. It is environmentally friendly and easy to apply, making it a favorite among eco-conscious sailors.

Sea Hawk Cukote:

Sea Hawk Cukote is a copper-based ablative bottom paint that provides long-lasting protection against marine growth and fouling. It is ideal for both saltwater and freshwater conditions and offers excellent performance in high-speed and high-growth areas.

West Marine CPP Ablative:

West Marine CPP Ablative is a cost-effective bottom paint that delivers reliable antifouling protection for sailboats of all sizes. It features a self-polishing formula that ensures consistent performance and easy maintenance throughout the sailing season.

How to Apply Ablative Bottom Paint

Now that you’ve chosen the best ablative bottom paint for your sailboat, it’s time to apply it to the hull. Follow these steps for a successful bottom painting process:

Step 1: Prepare the Surface:

Inspect the hull for any signs of damage, oxidation, or previous bottom paint. Remove any old paint using a scraper or sandpaper, and clean the surface thoroughly with a hull cleaner to remove dirt, grease, and contaminants.

Step 2: Prime the Hull:

Apply a suitable primer to the hull to improve adhesion and ensure proper bonding of the ablative bottom paint. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the primer application and drying time before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Apply the Bottom Paint:

Stir the ablative bottom paint thoroughly to ensure uniform consistency. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the paint evenly to the hull, following the recommended number of coats and drying times. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.

Step 4: Finish and Clean Up:

Once the final coat of ablative bottom paint has dried, inspect the hull for any missed spots or imperfections. Touch up any areas as needed, and clean up any paint spills or drips using a solvent recommended by the paint manufacturer.

Step 5: Dispose of Waste Properly:

Dispose of any leftover ablative bottom paint, solvents, and paint-related waste according to local regulations and environmental guidelines. Do not pour paint or chemicals down the drain or dispose of them in bodies of water.

Maintenance Tips for Ablative Bottom Paint

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your ablative bottom paint, follow these maintenance tips:

Regular Inspections:

Inspect your sailboat’s hull regularly for signs of marine growth, blisters, or paint wear. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and maintain the performance of the bottom paint.

Clean the hull periodically with a gentle boat soap and soft brush to remove dirt, salt, and debris that can affect the paint’s effectiveness. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the paint or hull material.

Touch up any areas of the hull where the bottom paint has worn away or been damaged. Use the same type and color of paint to ensure compatibility and seamless blending with the existing paint layers.

Schedule regular haul-outs of your sailboat to inspect the hull below the waterline and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance. This allows you to assess the condition of the ablative bottom paint and address any issues before they escalate.

Plan for recoating your sailboat’s hull with ablative bottom paint according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. This ensures continuous protection against marine growth and fouling, prolonging the lifespan of the paint and preserving your sailboat’s performance.

Choosing the best ablative bottom paint for your sailboat is a crucial decision that can impact the performance and longevity of your vessel. By considering factors such as water conditions, boat material, biocide content, antifouling period, application method, and budget, you can make an informed choice that meets your sailboat’s specific needs.

Whether you opt for a reliable brand like Interlux Micron CSC, Pettit Hydrocoat, Sea Hawk Cukote, or West Marine CPP Ablative, follow the recommended steps for application, maintenance, and disposal to ensure the success of your bottom painting project.

Remember, ablative bottom paint acts as a protective shield for your sailboat’s hull, keeping it clean, smooth, and efficient in the water. With the right paint and proper maintenance, you can enjoy worry-free sailing adventures and extend the lifespan of your beloved sailboat for years to come. So go ahead, choose the best ablative bottom paint for your sailboat, and set sail on your next maritime journey with confidence and peace of mind.

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Practical Sailor Tests Reveal Best Bottom Paints

Find out which antifouling paints keep barnacles at bay for multiple seasons..

Our annual bottom paint report comes on the heels of some important news regarding the use of copper-based antifouling paint in California. Facing strong opposition from boat owners in the state, Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) has decided not to pursue SB 623, legislation she authored to further restrict the use of copper-based paint in the state.

California officials have been searching for ways to reduce the apparently toxic levels of copper in some local waterways for several years. A recent study in San Diego showed the effectiveness of copper-free paints (see PS , March 2011 ), adding more support to the anti-copper cause, but the Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC) and others opposing the bill argued that the study was unrealistic and that there was no compelling scientific evidence to support a copper ban.

While Californias anti-copper push has stalled for now, the movement continues to gain momentum elsewhere. Last year, Washington state passed legislation prohibiting copper-based antifouling paint on new boats sold after 2018 and banning the use of bottom paints with more than 0.5-percent copper on recreational boats after 2020. The Netherlands, Sweden, and some places in Denmark have already banned the use of copper in paint. In the end, it might be the ingredients high cost, not environmental concerns, that drives manufacturers to new copper-free formulas.

WHAT WE TESTED

Practical Sailor is simultaneously testing three panel sets: one that has been in the water 36 months, another for 20 months, and a batch of 26 new paints that has spent nine months in the water. For details on the 36-month panels, see page 12. For our first look at the new paints, see page 10.

This article focuses on the 20-month panels and is supplemented by the tables on pages 8 and 9. The panels comprise 56 different antifouling paints that PS began testing in November 2010 at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron in Sarasota, Fla. All panels were inspected in June 2012. Participating companies include Blue Water Paints, Interlux, Epaint, Pettit, and Sea Hawk.

Our Value Guide tables are divided by paint category, hard and ablative. These names can be confusing, particularly as more paint makers are introducing hard ablative paints.

The chief determinant in how a paint is categorized is the way it works-the process by which biocide, if present, is activated. However, from a practical standpoint, the key distinction is the maintenance regimen.

Long after theyve lost their antifouling ability, the paint pigments and resins in a hard paint remain on the hull, building up with each recoating. Ultimately, the boat owner faces a flakey, layer-cake of built-up paint that will need to be completely sanded off. Hard paints, as the name implies, are hard, so they hold up well to cleaning, wet-sanding, and trailering-although many hard paints lose their effectiveness if stored out of water for long periods. (A pre-launch wet-sand or vigorous scrub will often reactivate a hard paint stored out of the water.)

Ablative paints wear away, so they don’t build up thick layers. There are two main types-bottom-tier workboat ablatives that slough away with water friction to activate more biocide, and more expensive, copolymer ablatives that release biocides at a controlled rate, which theoretically reduces the amount of copper required for long-term protection. Several ablatives are advertised as hard paints, suitable for trailering and light scrubbing. Our nine-month panel set includes some newly introduced dual-resin ablative paints that claim improved resistance to abrasion.

Most paints are formulated for specific needs: freshwater paints, aluminum-safe paints, racing paints, water-based paints (easy for the do-it-yourselfer to apply), and eco-friendly paints. The best performers in each of these subcategories are designated with a Recommended check mark in the Value Guides. Freshwater sailors should keep in mind that our saltwater test is particularly hard on freshwater paints, and these paints will do much better in lakes for which they were designed. Except where noted, our Recommended paints will provide excellent protection in fresh water, but many of these paints would be overkill for that environment. PS recommends that sailors in smaller lakes steer clear of high-copper saltwater blends to help protect the more fragile closed ecosystems.

HOW WE TESTED

The paint samples were applied to 6-foot-by-2-foot fiberglass panels for testing. Testers followed the makers instructions for preparation and application.

Prior to rating the paints, testers sluiced the panels with a bucket of salt water. Paints were rated Excellent (no growth), Good (light soft growth), Fair (moderate to heavy soft growth), and Poor (hard growth). Any paint rated Fair or better is considered to be continuing to meet its designed purpose.

A Recommended paint performed best overall or rated best among its specialized peers (best aluminum-safe paint, best water-based paint, best racing paint, etc.). The Budget Buy paints are the least expensive among the Recommended paints.

Antifouling tests involve many uncontrolled variables, and we recommend supplementing our data with local knowledge from independent sources. How and where you use your boat, as well as your maintenance regimen, can affect longevity and performance.

Based in North Brunswick, N.J., Blue Water Paints makes several general-purpose antifouling coatings that have fared well in our previous tests. In the hard paints category, the Irgarol-boosted Copper Pro SCX 67 Hard scored Good. Economy-priced Copper Shield 45 Hard held its spot at Fair, keeping barnacles away. Blue Water ablative paints were led by the higher-priced Copper Pro SCX 67 Ablative which rated Good, followed closely by the Copper Shield 45 Ablative. The biocide-boosted Copper Shield SCX 45 Ablative scored Fair, as did the aluminum-safe Kolor.

Blue Water Paints are also available under the MarPro label at boatyards or from distributor Donovan Marine ( www.donovanmarine.com ). The maker had five paints that made it to 36-month mark (see the Antifouling Paints at 36 Months table).

Epaint specializes in copper-free paint, and several types have done well in previous PS tests. The companys top-tier products are among the most expensive in our tests, and because some of its photo-active blends require three coats-versus two required by most makers-the price per square foot is generally higher than conventional paints. The firms two photo-active blends, Z0 and the slicker Z0-HP, faired much better. Both products rated Excellent at 14 months, but in this check-up, they were clearly near the end of their useful lives. ZO-HP was the cleanest of the two, but it was in the bottom half of the other Fair-rated paints when it came to combatting slime. Epaints only ablative blend, Ecominder (one of the few ablatives designed for fragile freshwater environments), failed at the 14-month mark, but it is not designed for high-fouling areas such as our test site.

Of the six Interlux hard paints we tested, the water-based Bottomkote Aqua had a good year with a Good rating at the 20-month mark. A copper-loaded hard paint boosted with Irgarol, Ultra scored Good at the 20-month mark. VC Offshore high-performance racing paint slipped from Good to Fair. Interluxs two hard, freshwater paints VC 17m and VC 17m Extra were unable to fend off barnacles in the harsh saltwater environment, but both have rated highly among PSs freshwater sailors.

In the ablative category, the Irgarol-boosted Fiberglass Bottomkote ACT continued its hold on the budget-priced blends with one of the few Good ratings among ablative paints. Perennial long-term contender Micron 66 also scored Good. Micron CSC and Micron Extra VOC both dropped from Good to Poor. Interluxs new budget-priced Bottomkote Pro had failed at 14 months. Bottomkote XXX, a soft workboat paint that is available only in Canada and is not recommended for frequent scrubbing, gained ground on competitors with a Fair performance. The reformulated, low-copper Pacifica Plus was one of the cleaner Fair panels, showing only moderate soft growth. The aluminum-safe Trilux 33 rated Good at 14 months and then dropped to Poor.

PETTIT/WEST MARINE

Pettit, a Kop-Coat brand, competes alongside Interlux for the largest share of the recreational antifouling marketplace. The company also manufactures West Marine-brand paint. In the ablative paint category, water-based Hydrocoat, one of Pettits more popular DIY blends (also sold as West Marine Ablative, formerly marketed as West Marine Pure Oceans Ablative), held on to its Fair rating. Horizons was one of the cleaner Fair panels. Two ablative blends that fared well in the 14-month checkup-Ultima SR-40, a $170-plus, copper-based paint boosted with Irgarol, and the budget-priced Ultima SSA-showed hard growth this time, dropping them to Poor ratings. Of the two other Pettit blends sold under the West Marine label, West Marine CPP, dropped from Good to Poor during the six-month interim, while West Marine PCA Gold, which was among the highest rated paints at 14 months, held on to its Good rating.

Pettits hard paints were generally more successful against hard growth than its ablative blends. The new Copper Guard, a single-season paint used by boatyards, was still potent, earning a Fair rating. Super Premium, now discontinued but still available at some retailers for around $200, rated Good. The long-time hard-paint favorite among warm-water sailors, Trinidad, also scored Good. Two related blends, Trinidad Pro and the Irgarol-boosted Trinidad SR, one of the few survivors on our three-year panels, scored Fair. Budget-priced Unepoxy was still holding off hard growth, but showed thicker soft growth compared to its higher-priced peers. Unepoxy Plus, which has a higher copper content than Unepoxy, also earned a Fair rating but showed less growth. The West Marine-branded Bottomshield, a budget-priced paint that uses copper-composite technology to control the release of copper and prolong protection, dropped from Fair to Poor. Vivid, a popular low copper hard paint that is available in a wide variety of bright colors, was free of hard growth and rated Fair.

The conventional blends from Florida-based Sea Hawk paints consistently held barnacles at bay for 20 months, although like many makers, its eco-friendly blends suffered. Ablatives with additives dominated the field of top performers for Sea Hawk, with the Irgarol-laced Cukote Biocide Plus and two zinc-boosted paints, Biocop TF and Islands 77 Plus, scoring Good. Of the three, Biocop TF was the cleanest, with only a thin layer of slime that easily rinsed away. The trailerable AF-33 and Smart Solutions, the only completely metal-free paint in the test, also repelled barnacles, but had more soft growth than Fair-rated peers. (Smart Solutions has since been reformulated.) In the hard paint category, Tropikote outperformed the Irgarol-boosted Tropikote Plus, while the other surviving hard paints-the budget-priced, single-season Talon and Sharkskin, with slightly more copper content-had fair to moderate fouling that would require some scrubbing.

The 18- to 20-month period is typically the point at which we can clearly see the division between the long-lasting paints suitable for year-round or multi-season protection and those that are only reliable for single-season use. Keep in mind that because we do not scrub or move our panels, you may see better performance-particularly with paints like Interluxs Micron series, which self-polish as a boat moves through the water. Because performance can vary with geography, we also recommend consulting local experts, boatyards, and other boat owners to cross-check recommendations with our list.

Most paints are designed to tolerate cleaning, but if you or your hired cleaner scrub hard at the outset, particularly on some softer ablative paints, you are robbing yourself of expensive protection. Better to use the boat regularly and let water action sluice the hull. If you decide to clean the hull, take a conservative approach. Start with a sponge or T-shirt, and then move up to more aggressive media.

Based on the performance of our 20-month panels, sailors looking for multi-season protection have fewer budget-priced options. In the hard-paint category, only one Good-rated paint was priced under $200, Bottomkote Aqua. Blue Waters Copper Shield 45 Hard, Sea Hawks Talon, and Pettits Unepoxy are also low-budget contenders.

The ablative category offers more options, but again, these were mostly top-tier paints with higher price tags. Interluxs Bottomkote ACT ($140) and West Marines PCA Gold were the two least-expensive paints that rated Good. In the higher price range, Blue Waters Copper Pro SCX 67 Ablative, Interluxs Micron 66, and Sea Hawks Biocop TF, Cukote, Cukote Biocide Plus, and Islands 77 Plus were still offering Good protection. Year-round sailors considering the top-tier paints will also want to look closely at the report on the 36-month panels.

Among aluminum-friendly paints, Epaints ZO and Z0-HP were the only two still barnacle free. Based on our past testing, we don’t expect either to last much beyond the 24-month point. These low-copper paints are also regarded as eco-friendly, and all of the makers have rolled out new lines of eco-friendly paints that we are watching. (See First Look at New Eco-paints and Hard Ablatives.)

Among the racing paints, Epaint ZO-HP and Interluxs VC Offshore were still on top, but both would require regular maintenance. Vivid, also popular with racers, was also barnacle free.

Bottomkote: Aqua looks to be the clear choice for those seeking an easy-to-apply water-based paint, although we have yet to find a water-based paint that consistently reaches the 24-month mark.

Checks indicate Recommended paints in one or more key categories—overall, aluminum safe, water based, eco-friendly, and racing. Budget Buy paints are the least expensive of the Good paints. Prices are estimates and do not include shipping. Copper percentages are by weight, so paints with heavier solids in the resin may have more total copper, but a lower percentage.

• First Look at New Eco Paints and ‘Hard’ Ablatives

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We have been using (and recommending) Blue Water Copper Shield 45 Ablative for 7 years based on Practical Sailor recommendations and excellent results. Until this year. Blue Water has been acquired by Sea Hawk. Neither the gallon of Copper Shield 45 Admiral Green nor quart of Shelter Island Plus White purchased in April 2020 would mix without leaving huge numbers of ‘chunks’ that needed to be strained out. The Sea Hawk rep essentially blamed our experience on our mixing (even though we have never had this issue in almost 40 years of bottom painting….) and says their test sample of the Copper Shield manufactured in January 2020 is fine, and the Shelter Island can they sold wasn’t manufactured by them, so it’s not their problem. After this experience, I will never buy or recommend Blue Water or Sea Hawk paints again.

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