Whether you keep your boat afloat in the water for the better part of a year or haul it ashore at the end of the boating season, treating your hull properly is essential to ensure boat longevity. Applying antifouling paint is a relatively easy chore and doing it yourself will save you a great deal of money.

In this practical guide to antifouling, we’ll explain how underwater paint works and how to choose the right antifouling paint, as well as walk you through the basic steps of applying the paint.

Now, let’s dive into the details

What is antifouling?

Simply put, antifouling is a paint coating used to protect the part of a boat which is under the waterline from organisms that can cause harm. Antifouling works to prevent damage caused by animal and plant pests by releasing bioactive ingredients that slow down the growth of harmful organisms.

What are the benefits of antifouling?

• Protection: When in the water, your boat is exposed to pests such as barnacles, weed and slime which can attach to the bottom of the boat and cause damage to the hull. By preventing such damage, you will significantly extend your boat’s lifespan.

• Smoother steering manoeuvres: Fouling can affect the response time of your boat which, in turn, can lead to dangerous consequences. By painting your boat with antifouling you gain better control of your vessel.

• Improved speed and fuel efficiency: Keeping your boat free from fouling has a significant impact on speed and fuel consumption. Having a smooth hull will cause your boat to have less frictional resistance and use less fuel, thus saving you money.

Types of antifouling paints

There are three basic types of antifouling paints available: soft antifoul, hard antifoul and copper-based antifoul.

Soft antifoul, also referred to as eroding antifoul, is partially water-soluble, due to which it is slowly polished off as water passes across the boat’s hull. Soft antifoul is in turn split into two types: ablative and self-polishing. Ablative antifoul erodes unevenly while self-polishing erodes evenly, giving a smoother surface and less drag.

Hard antifoul, or contact leaching antifoul, forms a hard surface on the hull and doesn’t wear off like soft antifouling. Hard antifoul can be scrubbed or burnished to create a smooth hull with less frictional resistance.

Copper-based, or polishing copolymer antifoul, is similar to soft antifoul with the difference that copper-based coating releases biocides depending on how fast the binder dissolves.

How to find the right antifoul for your boat

Choosing the best antifouling paint is a crucial part of keep your boat performing its best. However, due to a wide range of products available, choosing the correct paint can seem like a gruelling task. Here are some tips to get you started.

To begin with, you should consider the type of boat you are using:

• Sailboats and small power boats: Soft antifoul is usually the best choice for smaller vessels such as sailboats or power boats with speeds up to 30 knots. The boat needs to be used semi-regularly in order for the paint to be polished evenly.
• High-performance boats and racing yachts: If you own a seriously fast boat or a boat that is in regular use then hard antifoul is the surest way to go. Most race boat owners prefer hard antifoul because this kind of paint can also be wet sanded to a smooth finish, making the boat even faster. Copper-based antifouling paint can also be used for these types of vessels.

The material from which your boat’s hull is made also determines which paint should be used. For wooden or steel boats it is generally advisable to go for soft antifoul, whereas hard antifoul is best suited for boats made of steel, GRP or carbon fibre. Never use copper-based paint on an aluminium boat.

How often should you antifoul?

Antifouling plays a major role in regular boat maintenance and it helps keep your boat in great shape for years to come. The frequency of antifouling depends on two main factors: how much the boat is used and how it is stored when not in use. If you keep your boat afloat for the better part of a year or use it regularly, it is highly advised to check the hull annually to assess whether or not antifouling should be reapplied.

In short, the right paint for your boat as well as the frequency of antifouling should be determined by the type and speed of the vessels, the usage of the boat and the waters you normally sail in. For boats that mainly live ashore, antifouling every other year may be sufficient.

How to apply antifouling paint

Preparation is the key to success when it comes to applying protective underwater paint onto your boat. Firstly, in order to ensure a safe work environment, make sure your boat is resting on props and blocks securely. Alternatively, you can also work on your boat on a trailer. Keep in mind that you will be working with poisonous chemicals and make sure you’ve taken all necessary safety measures. As a minimum, a dust mask, goggles, full coveralls, and gloves should always be worn when applying antifouling paint.

Next, make sure you have all necessary equipment available and ready for use. You will need a small paint roller and tray, wet and dry sanding block, a couple of smaller size paint brushes and some masking tape. A small screwdriver, a stirring stick, a bucket, a paint scraper and a dustpan brush are also good to have handy.

With all the equipment ready, the next step is to start preparing your boat for antifouling. First, you need to go over the whole hull and remove flaking paint and smooth out any imperfections. This is also the time where you would be fixing any possible damage to the hull. With some paints, you will also need to key the surface with a quick sanding before applying antifoul.

Once the surface is smooth, it’s time to clean it – preferably with a power washer. While the hull is drying, apply masking tape to divide the antifouling from the top part of the boat. Once the hull is completely dry, you can begin applying antifouling paint with a small paint roller and tray. Whether you should apply one or two coats of paint depends on the manufacturer, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before starting to paint.

Bear in mind that if you have a new boat and you are working with a bare hull, you will likely need to use a primer before using antifoul. Primer should also be applied in case you are unsure which antifouling was previously used. The type of primer depends on the material which the hull is made of. We will gladly help you find a suitable primer for your boat.

Consult your owner’s manual:

Your owner’s manual will provide you with important information about the type of oil and lubricants that are recommended for your boat. It will also give you instructions on how often to change the oil and lubricants.

Consider the type of engine:

Different types of engines require different types of oils and lubricants. For example, two-stroke engines require oil mixed with fuel, while four-stroke engines require separate oil and fuel systems. Make sure you know what type of engine your boat has before selecting the appropriate oil and lubricants.

Look for marine-specific products:

Marine-specific oils and lubricants are designed specifically for use in the marine environment. They are often formulated to resist the effects of saltwater and moisture, and they may contain additives to protect against corrosion and wear.

Check the viscosity:

The viscosity of the oil you choose is important, as it affects how well the oil flows and how well it lubricates the engine. Again, consult your manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate viscosity for your engine.

Consider the temperature range:

If you operate your boat in extreme temperatures, you may need to use a different type of oil than if you operate in more moderate temperatures. Check the oil’s recommended temperature range to ensure it will perform well in your operating conditions.

Don’t forget about other lubricants:

Your boat may have other machinery that requires lubrication, such as the steering system, propeller shaft, and other moving parts. Make sure you use the appropriate lubricants for each of these systems and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Regular maintenance:

Finally, be sure to perform regular maintenance on your boat, including oil changes and lubrication of other machinery. This will help keep your boat running smoothly and extend the life of your engine and other equipment.

Whether you are using your boat for day cruising, fishing, water sports or overnighting, you should always prepare essential safety gear before leaving the dock. Although different items are required for different kinds and sizes of boats, a basic safety kit is a must-have on any vessel to making the most of your time spent on the water. Here are five must-have safety gear that will help you keep safe on your boating adventures.

Life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFD)

A wearable PFD (type I, II, or III) is designed to assist its wearer to keep afloat in water and one must be available for each person on board. If you are using your boat for water sports such as wakeboarding, also the person behind the boat will need his or her own life jacket. For children under the age of 12, PFDs are required to be worn at all times on a moving vessel. If you bring pets on board, it is recommended that they have a lifejacket, too.

When choosing a lifejacket for yourself and others on board, you should always make sure that the PDFs are correctly maintained and that they fit the wearer properly. It is essential that life jackets are maintained properly to ensure they will help you keep afloat should you end up in the water. Essential PFD maintenance includes, for example, making sure that the inflation components are replaced periodically.

Throwable flotation devices

In addition to the life jackets worn by everyone on board, you should make sure to have at least one throwable floating device (type IV) available. Unlike a PFD, this kind of flotation device is designed to be thrown to an overboard victim, not to be worn. A throwable flotation device must be mounted on deck and be available immediately in case of an emergency. Never place the device in a locker under the driver’s seat or in any other place where immediate availability cannot be guaranteed.

Type IV throwable flotation devices come in different styles, the most common ones being a ring buoy, horseshoe buoy, cushion, or square style. Lifebuoys should be stowed at the side of the vessel in a way that ensures proper release in case of an emergency. Some throwable floating devices come with a line attached, enabling the person in the water to be pulled closer to the boat. For boat less than 24 meters in length, the attached buoyant line must have a minimum length of 18 meters, while for larger vessels the buoyant line must be at least 30 meters in length.

Visual distress signalling devices (VDS)

Visual signalling devices, or flares, are an important part of your onboard safety equipment whether you are day cruising or overnighting. In case of an emergency, a VDS will help others locate your boat faster, so make sure to pack one on board whenever you take your boat off to the waters.

There are two types of visual distress signals available: pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic. As the names suggest, pyrotechnic VDSs use smoke and flame, where as non-pyrotechnic VDSs are non-combustible. The range of visual distress signals include night signals that are only visible in the dark, day signals that are visible also during the daytime, and anytime signals that can be used both day and night. Like all other types of emergency equipment, also VDSs must be kept in adequate condition and stored in a location which is effortlessly accessible to all passengers on board.

Note that the law prohibits the use of VDSs unless assistance is needed. In other words, never use a visual distress signalling device unless you have an emergency.

Sound signalling devices

Similarly to visual distress signals, the function of sound signalling devices as part of your onboard safety equipment is to attract the attention of others at sea and help them reach you faster in case of an emergency. Sound signals enable you to attract help both day and night and are especially useful should you be caught off guard by fog.

Fire extinguishers

Make sure to always have a fire extinguisher available on board and also ensure that you know exactly how to use it in case a fire breaks out. Some boats will also have a built-in extinguisher system in the engine area, ensure you know how to operate it when needed.

In this day and age, your fire extinguisher doesn’t need to be serviced annually like the older ones, since they have a shelf life of roughly 20 years. Modern marine fire extinguishing systems are also extremely compact and lightweight, the smallest ones weighing as little as 200 g.

Regular and consistent maintenance is the key to conserving the performance and appearance of your boat, especially in a given case where a boat is exposed to the elements year-round. In Malta, boating is a year-round endeavour, meaning that boat owners need to maintain a more frequent boat care routine, but there are also some seasonal aspects to maintenance that require your attention. 

It should not come as a surprise that preparing your boat for the winter requires more than just simply pulling the vessel out of the water. Essential boat maintenance goes beyond a visual inspection but the good news is that most of the upkeep-related tasks are fully manageable even without help from a professional mechanic. If your boat doesn’t require any repairs, you can get away with owning just a few basic supplies.

Recommended off-season care techniques vary somewhat depending on whether you will be hauling out your boat or keeping it in the water. Bear in mind, however, that it is strongly recommended to haul out annually since not doing so tends to cost money in the long run. 

To ensure prolonged use of your boat, it is important to observe a few simple maintenance instructions when preparing your boat for the winter. Left unchecked, you could face several critical issues that can come back to haunt you come springtime. That being said, here are some cold-weather boat maintenance tips that will help keep your craft in top shape all year-round.

Clean your boat thoroughly

Start by cleaning your boat from bow to stern. You will without doubt be glad you did once you start getting ready for the next boating season. By removing all unmounted accessories such as fishing gear, flotation devices and electronics before cleaning you are able to complete the task more swiftly and protect the gear from getting damaged.

Begin by wiping down the furniture with a special interior detailer cleaner that is guaranteed to leave the upholstery sparkling clean and preserve its original appearance. Most boat furniture components these days are made of vinyl, which is an extremely durable yet delicate material. Make sure you pick up the right product for this task, since using the wrong cleaners can ruin the vinyl over time.

If there is one rule of thumb that is worth remembering before storing your boat for the off-season, it’s that the bottom of the boat should be as clean as the topside. After pulling your boat out of the water, carefully pressure wash the hull to remove any dirt and other possible residue that may have accumulated over the months. There are some affordable pressure washers on the market, so it should be easy enough for you to find a suitable one. 

You should also consider waxing the entire boat at least once a season. In addition, it’s a good idea to put a coat of marine wax on the inside of the boat, since it is subject to direct sun rays most of the year. 

Check the propeller

Once you have gotten your boat out of the water, it’s a good time to check your propeller for any signs of damage. Carefully check the blades for breaks or major dents and should you find any, consider repairing or replacing the prop. If you use your boat for fishing, you’ll also want to make sure there is no fishing line wrapped around the propeller shaft. The best way to decide whether replacement is needed is to look at past performance of the boat in terms of fuel mileage – if the boat has been experiencing bad performance, it’s likely time to replace the prop. 

Engine maintenance

The engine is one of the most – if not the most – important part of your boat, which is why it is particularly crucial to inspect it for any maintenance needs during the winter season. 

You should begin your engine inspection by filling the tank with gas and adding the fuel stabiliser of your choice. Fuel stabiliser helps to prevent varnish build-up in fuel lines, fuel injectors and carburettors during long periods of inactivity. 

The next step you’ll want to do is to check your boat’s oil levels. Most engine manufacturers recommend the oil to be changed every 50-100 running hours. Start the oil-changing process by running the engine, as this helps drain the oil. This is also a good time to check for any possible leaks. 

Whether your boat has an outboard or inboard engine, fogging is highly recommended to lubricate the inside of the engine to prevent corrosion and cylinder damage. For pumping the lube you will need some gear lube and a gear lube pump. Fogging oils are often used together with fuel stabilized additives to prepare the engine for long-term storage. You should also grease all external fittings on the engine and steering system with engine grease that is consistent with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Storing and covering your boat

In order to make sure that your boat is ready for the next season, you want to make sure it is properly stored. It is recommended to store the boat indoors but don’t be discouraged if this is not an option for you. For most boaters, dry outdoor boat storage is the way to go while others opt to store their boats in the water all year long. Should you decide to store your boat outdoors, make sure to shrink-wrap your boat properly, park it under a boat storage canopy, or otherwise securely cover your boat during winter months to prevent weathering and water intrusion.

Covering your boat and engine with the right type of boat cover made from premium materials is an integral part of preventative care during the off-season. You can use simple tarps as a cover but bear in mind, that when exposed to wind, tarps can shift and damage your boat. There are also cotton, acrylic, polyester, and vinyl covers available, all of which you can purchase pre-made or custom-made to your boat’s specifications. For best protection against water and mildew, we recommend opting for a polyester fibre boat cover with a vinyl coating.

The colourfully decorated boats that can be seen floating around the shores of the Maltese islands have become a symbol of local identity and an icon of interest to visitors to the island.  The bright shades of red, yellow, blue and green symbolize the land, the sun, the sea and the green fields, representing a fisherman’s home village.

These iconic boats offer a fascinating voyage into the long history of the island, dating back at least three centuries and having already been used during the Knights of St. John’s rule in Malta.  The boats were built of timber and designed taking into consideration the unique characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea. Unlike in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea exhibits waves that are relatively high, yet short, since there is not enough distance for wind to accumulate and create long waves. The lack of raw materials needed to build their own boats did not hinder the Maltese who imported timber from European areas both during the time of the Order of St. John and the British rule.

Il-Firilla

Although many of these traditional boats have been replaced with modern replicas, the ones that still lie along the coastline have retained their highly decorated and brightly painted characteristics. However, once popular fishing boats, the handful of traditional Maltese wooden boats left today mostly serve as a tourist attraction.

 The Firilla (Il-Firilla)

The firilla is one of the earliest types of fishing boats in Malta. Originally used as a passenger boat between Birgu and Senglea, the firilla also became popular amongst local fishermen in the late 19th century. In its early years, the firilla looked much like the dgħajsa and the xprunara; it was an open double ended, carvel built boat with a straight keel. At the turn of the 20th century, stem posts fitted at 90 degrees were introduced to the boat’s design, making it distinguishable from other similar boat types. Barely any firilli boats can be seen around the island these days, demonstrating the rapid decrease in the number of firilli boats available.

Il-Luzzu

The Luzzu (Il-Luzzu)

The Luzzu is essentially a wooden hulled fishing boat, built from strong timber and painted in traditional bright colours.  The history of the luzzu dates back to the early 20 century, and it is believed to have evolved from the Italian gozzo boat. During the Phoenician times, the luzzu was quite considerably smaller than it is today and it also used to be equipped with sails. Nowadays, most “luzziijiet” are larger in size and are equipped with an on-board diesel engine. The design and style of these boats, however, is very similar to the ones used in ancient times. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the luzzu is one of the very few traditional Maltese boats which can be taken away from the island, while most other boat types were designed to be used to sail only between the islands’ inside bays and creeks. Many Maltese fishermen argue that the luzzu is better suited for fishing purposes than a fiberglass boat due to its heavier and more stable structure.

Dghajsa

The Dgħajsa (Id-dghajsa) 

Although sometimes used as a generic term to refer to any type of boat by the Maltese themselves, The dgħajsa or ‘Id-dgħajsa’ (in Maltese) is a traditional Maltese water taxi, dating back to the 17th century. Light in weight, these boats were ideal for ferrying passengers and goods in the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. Despite having been in extensive use between the 17th and 20th century, the use of dgħajsas declined rapidly in the late 20th century, and to date, mainly only operate in ferrying tourists around the island’s harbours.  

The Xprunara (also Known as the Gozo Boat).

The xprunara is a type of small merchant craft that served as the prototype to all traditional Maltese boats. Its roots date back to the 16th century and it was commonly used to carry passengers and merchandise between Malta and Sicily. During the Hospitaller rule in Malta, brightly coloured xprunaras had a spur at the bow and were commonly named after Christian saints.

Xprunara

The Frejgatina

The Maltese frejgatina is a small, carvel built fishing boat that was formerly rowed with two oars but nowadays mostly come equipped with an inboard engine. Unlike the luzzu, the frejgatina does not have a tall and tapered outward bow, making it unsuitable for long distance sailing. This type of boat is mainly used by the fishermen as a mere means of transportation from the shore to the fishing boat.

Frejgatina