HULL PRO: PONTOON 5 MONTH STRESS TEST

October 19, 2023

BOSTON, MASSACHUSSETS / FREEDOM BOAT CLUB

M&M MARINE

At Freedom Boat Club Boston, M&M Marine faced the formidable challenge of maintaining a fleet of 20 pontoons coated with Hull Pro. Over an unprecedented 5-month period, these coated vessels were left in the water without any cleaning. The intent was clear: to push Hull Pro to its limits and assess its durability in the face of no cleaning and harsh environmental conditions.

BEYOND THE SURFACE

Left for a season, the Hull Pro-coated pontoons took on hard growth and needed some TLC. It took a lot of elbow grease, but the vessels were reset successfully and Hull Pro exhibited its benefits clearly.

DURABILITY
Even on sections of the coated logs that were subjected to impact and damage, Hull Pro didn’t crack or chip off.
BETTER AESTHETICS
After a 4500 PSI gas power washing, an acid bath, and the use of Shark Gel, the vessels were reset beautifully, with Hull Pro still exhibiting a high gloss shine.

PREVENT HARD FOULING BEFORE IT HAPPENS

Leaving a Hull Pro-coated vessel unattended in the water for extended periods, as demonstrated in the extreme stress test at Freedom Boat Club Boston, is not an ideal practice for several reasons. While Hull Pro excels in fouling-release properties, prolonged exposure can lead to the accumulation of hard fouling on the coated surfaces.

Hard fouling, characterized by more tenacious and firmly attached marine growth, becomes increasingly difficult to remove with time. The longer the coating is left without regular maintenance, the more challenging it becomes to address the adherence of barnacles, mollusks, and other stubborn organisms. To maintain the optimal performance of Hull Pro and ease of cleaning, a consistent and proactive approach to regular maintenance is recommended, preventing the accumulation of hard fouling and ensuring the coating's long-term efficacy.

THE SHARK GEL ADVANTAGE

Choosing Shark Gel for cleaning metal pontoon logs offers distinct benefits due to its unique formulation. Shark Gel, formulated with light phosphoric acid, reacts effectively with metal surfaces, making it a powerful solution for removing hard fouling from pontoon logs. Its chemical composition facilitates the breakdown of tenacious fouling, ensuring a thorough and clean removal process.

For difficult pontoon cleanings, a recommended combination of an acid bath followed by the application of Shark Gel proves to be highly effective. This dual approach not only enhances the cleaning efficiency but also contributes to the overall maintenance and longevity of the pontoon logs by preventing the accumulation of stubborn marine growth.

Hull Pro’s exceptional endurance

In the realm of hull maintenance, the technical prowess of Hull Pro stands out as a beacon of durability, resilience, and efficiency. As illustrated by the extreme stress test at Freedom Boat Club Boston, Hull Pro proved its mettle, demonstrating unyielding durability under impact, longevity in the face of high-pressure cleaning, and versatile compatibility with other Armus Marine solutions.

However, the case study also emphasizes the importance of proactive maintenance, highlighting that leaving a Hull Pro-coated vessel unattended for extended periods may lead to the challenge of hard fouling. As boat owners navigate the seas of hull protection, Hull Pro emerges not just as a fouling-release coating but as a comprehensive solution, offering technical excellence and reliability in the demanding world of marine maintenance.