Too many barnacles spoil the prop

Barnacles and slime are not a discriminating lot – they’ll cling to anything. Outdrives and underwater metals need antifouling protection, too. The best time to think about it is before biofilm and hard-shell fouling have formed a crusty green beard on metal parts that help you steer and stay afloat.

Barnacles don’t eat holes in metal like they do in fiberglass and gelcoat, but their bodies block oxygen from the surface. This makes metal rust – even stainless steel, and causes a scary-sounding condition called crevice corrosion. The biocides in Outdrive AF keeps the biofilm from forming, and makes underwater metal surfaces inhospitable to barnacles and other marine fouling organisms.

Copper-free means never having to say you’re sorry to your sterndrive

Do not apply copper-based antifouling paint on underwater aluminum parts, unless you want to watch metals disintegrate from galvanic corrosion. Metal-destroying galvanic corrosion has a few causes, including stray electrical current from other boats in the harbor, or an improperly grounded electrical system on your boat. It also happens when dissimilar metals come in contact with each other underwater.

For example, copper and aluminum are dissimilar metals. They have different electrical potentials, and when in contact with each other, the resulting reaction will cause one of the metals to corrode – in this case, the aluminum. So it’s very important to keep any copper-based antifouling paint used on your hull away from underwater aluminum parts. Outdrive AF is copper-free, so it won’t cause galvanic corrosion. Remember to apply it on your through-hulls, too, because failures caused by galvanic corrosion have sunk many boats right on their moorings.

Very important: Do not paint your zincs and other sacrificial anodes, which are there to keep galvanic corrosion from damaging underwater metals. If you cover them with paint, they won’t be able to do their job, and you’ll get galvanic corrosion anyway.

Full-season protection for boats that stay in the water full-time

Fouling starts the minute you launch your boat. The warmer the conditions, the faster the biofilm grows. Outdrive AF is formulated with biocides and slime-fighting agents that provide protection for a full season for boats that spend most of the season in the water.

An epoxy primer makes the antifouling paint more effective

Priming reduces surface porosity and gives the antifouling paint a solid surface to adhere to. The paint will stick better and last longer. Aluminum surfaces need to be primed properly. Epoxy primer is recommended because it provides superior adhesion and corrosion protection. For best results, under Outdrive AF paint, prime steel and iron substrates with TotalBoat TotalProtect Epoxy Primer and Barrier Coat. Prep bare aluminum with TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash allow to dry, then prime with TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat.

Outdrive AF Antifouling Paint Details

• Use on aluminum and other underwater metals.
• Contains a high concentration of organic, copper-free biocide. Ideal for boatyards under environmental restrictions.
• High-solids, eco-friendly antifouling paint provides outstanding, full-season protection against mussels, barnacles, and slime in salt, fresh, or brackish water.
• Copper-free paint will not cause galvanic corrosion.
• Also prevents hard and soft biofouling effectively on fiberglass and wood, and can be applied over most previously painted surfaces in good condition, including any that contained copper-based paint.
• Ablative formula releases fresh biocide and stays smooth, preventing paint buildup so application is easier next season.
• Color: Black
• Finish: Eggshell
• Size: Quart - Bottom Paint Supplies Kit available for purchase.
• Primer: On all metals except for aluminum, prime with TotalBoat TotalProtect. For aluminum, OR TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash and TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat