My boat is stored in the water and on a mooring in coastal Connecticut. It’s a great location, but I grew weary of having to scrape my mooring ball clean every year. So this year, since I was changing to a new hard shell mooring ball, I decided to do something about it: I painted the ball using Pettit’s Hydrocoat ECO antifouling paint.
Prep was easy. I washed the buoy with a degreaser and then sanded the portion to be coated with 100 grit paper to give the surface some tooth. (According Boating Editor-In-Chief, Kevin Falvey, a bouy that is not new, and that has been weathered for a few years, will generally take and hold paint without any sanding at all.) Then I simply applied two coats.
Cleanup was easy since Hydrocoat ECO is a water-based paint and contains no copper.
Pettit Hydrocoat ECO
Easy application and cleanup with soap & water Water-based, copper-free, self-polishing ablative antifouling paint Co-polymer ablative technology eliminates sanding and paint build-up Dual-biocides provide outstanding multi-season protection in all conditions Uses the power of organic ECONEA™ for better protection and a greener earth
Hydrocoat Eco is the newest member of Pettit’s exclusive water-based, copolymer ablative family of bottom paints. The highest level of metal-free ECONEA™ biocide available is combined with a powerful slime fighting inhibitor to provide unprecedented multi-season protection in the toughest marine environments. Innovative Hydrocoat Technology is used to replace the harsh solvents found in most bottom paints with water, providing an easier application and clean up, with low VOC’s, and no heavy solvent smell. Hydrocoat Eco’s co-polymer ablative paint film wears away with use allowing for a controlled release of biocides while eliminating paint build up and the need for sanding between coats. This copper-free formula is compatible over almost all bottom paints and is safe for use on all substrates including steel and aluminum. Hydrocoat Eco will not lose effectiveness when removed from the water.
Use water to thin if necessary.
