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As a responsible boat owner, Brian Black was concerned about possible harmful effects the antifouling used on his hull may have on the environment but was unsure what less harmful alternatives were available. He was also keen to find something that still kept his boat bottom clean throughout the season and was affordable so The Green Blue suggested he tried SEAJET 033 Shogun paint.
Seajet 033 is a self-polishing tin-free antifouling based on special organic and bioactive components. The use of copolymeric resins provide a unique hydration mechanism resulting in outstanding antifouling performance. Its self-polishing character prevents building up of old paint layers and provides an ever smooth surface giving less friction in the water. Seajet 033 is suitable for glass fibre, steel and wooden boats (not aluminum) and is designed to meet latest environmental standards
The manufacturers claim it will last 2 years with just a wipe down in between!
Brian says " When you think about it, for an anti-fouling paint to do its job, there has to be some impact on the environment as the toxins that prevent things growing must leach off into the water body surrounding the boat. That has always been my concern as an environmentally aware yachtsman - but what to do about it ? The answer came through research conducted by the RYA and highlighted by its Green Blue campaign. This directed me towards environmentally-friendly anti foul paints, one of which I tested last season."
Rating: 5/10
Name: Brian Black
Occupation: Keen sailor with particular interest in Arctic waters and an independent tv producer
Reason for test: Environmentally concerned yachtsman
Desired result: Effective, affordable with less impact on the environment.
Product: SEAJET Shogun 033
Description: A self polishing antifouling suitable for all types of pleasure craft in fresh and salt water.
How to use: See the manufacturers website for detailed instructions www.seajetpaint.com
Manufacturer: Japanese company Chugoku Marine Paints Ltd.
Where to buy: Stocked in many chandleries, www.seajetpaint.com has a list of UK distributors.
I applied Shogun 033 to one side of the hull, the other I covered with a conventional cruiser type anti-foul. Both coats were spread using rollers and went on easily. My boat then lay to her mooring when not in use where she is subjected to a brisk run of tide. We had an early season cruise and then a few short trips during July and August, fairly standard sailing in home waters. I hauled out in October to reveal the effectiveness of one product against the other. There was the typical green beard around the water-line on both sides of the boat but when I examined the hull it was clear that the environmentally friendly product had the edge, it had performed better. Some bristly growth had begun to grow on both sides but this was significantly greater where the conventional anti-foul had begun to wear off. The environmentally friendly-product also appeared to have attracted less slime than the paint I have been using over previous seasons.
I realise that this was not scientifically controlled experiment but certainly from my observations after a typical seasons's sailing, the environment appeared to be the winner. Thankyou Green Blue.
