Summer is one of the busiest times of year for boating. Before heading out for long days on the water, it is worth making sure your boat is ready for the season ahead.
One of the most important items on your pre-summer maintenance list is antifouling. A clean, well-protected hull helps maintain performance, fuel efficiency, and handling while reducing the risk of marine growth becoming a bigger maintenance issue.
Use this checklist to make sure your boat is ready for summer.
1. Check When Your Boat Was Last Antifouled
Start by checking your maintenance records. If your boat is approaching or has passed its recommended antifouling interval, usually 12 months, it may be time for a haul-out.
The ideal antifouling schedule depends on your vessel, where it is kept, how often it is used, and local water conditions. Regular inspections can help identify when your coating needs attention.
2. Inspect the Hull for Marine Growth
Before your next trip, check the hull for signs of slime, weed, barnacles, or other marine growth.
Marine growth increases drag and can affect your boat’s speed, handling, and fuel consumption. If growth is already established, a haul-out may be required to properly inspect and prepare the hull.
3. Check the Condition of Your Existing Antifoul
Look for areas where the antifouling coating is worn, damaged, flaking, or missing.
Uneven or deteriorated antifoul can reduce protection and may require additional preparation before a new coating is applied. Proper surface preparation is essential for achieving a durable finish.
4. Inspect Your Propeller and Running Gear
Your hull is not the only underwater surface that needs attention.
Check your propeller, shaft, rudder, struts, and other underwater metals for marine growth, corrosion, or damage. This is also a good opportunity to consider PropSpeed, a specialist foul-release coating designed for underwater metals.
White Bay 6 Marine Park is an approved applicator of PropSpeed, making it easy to address your hull and running gear during the same haul-out.
5. Choose the Right Antifouling Application
Different boats and coating systems may require different application methods.
White Bay 6 Marine Park offers both roll-on and spray antifouling, allowing the application method to be matched to the vessel, existing coating system, and desired finish.
Discuss your requirements with the team before work begins so the most suitable approach can be selected for your boat.
6. Check Anodes and Underwater Hardware
A haul-out provides an ideal opportunity to inspect sacrificial anodes and other underwater hardware.
Anodes should be checked for wear and replaced when required. Your marine technician can also inspect underwater components for signs of corrosion, damage, or deterioration.
7. Book Your Summer Haul-Out Early
Summer is a busy time for boat owners, so leaving maintenance until the last minute can make scheduling more difficult.
Booking your haul-out and antifouling in advance gives you time to address any additional maintenance that may be identified once the boat is out of the water.
Your Pre-Summer Antifoul Checklist
Before launching for summer, make sure you have:
- Checked when your boat was last antifouled
- Inspected the hull for marine growth
- Checked the condition of the existing antifoul
- Inspected the propeller and underwater running gear
- Checked anodes and underwater hardware
- Considered PropSpeed for propellers and underwater metals
- Selected the appropriate roll-on or spray antifouling method
- Booked your haul-out and antifouling in advance
Get Your Boat Summer Ready at White Bay 6 Marine Park
From family power boats to grand prix racing yachts, White Bay 6 Marine Park works with a wide range of vessels and provides professional haul-out and antifouling services.
With both roll-on and spray antifouling available, along with PropSpeed application by an approved applicator, your boat can receive comprehensive underwater maintenance in one location. Get your summer maintenance organised early and start the season with a clean, protected hull and confidence in your boat’s underwater gear.
Contact the friendly Marine Service Advisors at White Bay 6 Marine Park now…