Antifouling Paint Alternatives

Antifouling paints are used to coat the hulls of boats. The paint is designed to keep marine organisms such as plant growth, algae, zebra mussels and barnacles from attaching to the bottom of a boat. One of the earliest effective strategies was to attach copper beneath the waterline: copper served as a biocide. However, copper and most antifouling paints are harmful to marine life. Copper, a major part of antifouling paint, damages reef systems which are especially sensitive to metals found in the paint, according to the Go Green Sailor website.

New Formulations

• New antifouling paints are formulated to have a less toxic effect on the ocean's ecosystems. The new paints create a slick surface designed to inhibit growth rather than using toxic ingredients designed to kill growth. Formulations incorporate zinc and coatings containing a biodegradable toxicant. The next generation of antifouling paints are expected to be made of coatings with a nanoengineered surface, according to the University of California Cooperative Extension website.

Types

• Types of antifouling paint alternatives come onto the market each year. Nontoxic hull coatings are ceramic epoxy, siliconized epoxy, bottom wax, polymer and Teflon. Teflon coatings create a slick surface that prevents fouling growth from attaching. The SealCoat system has a biocide free epoxy resin that seals the surface. Hard bottom paints are another option; they reduce the sloughing off of toxic paints.

Companion Strategy

• The antifouling paint alternatives generally require what is known as a companion strategy in order to be most effective. Such strategies work by using a nontoxic hull coating along with storing the boat in a slip liner, on land, or on a lift.

Consideration

• For a small boat, it is possible to avoid the use of antifouling paint altogether, according to the Eartheasy website. A small boat may easily be stored on dry land. If the boat is kept in water for a long period of time, it may be sufficient to scrub the bottom of the boat once a month to prevent fouling. Another option is to use regular paint and coat it with a slick bottom wax.