SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE & PROTECTION AT FREEDOM BOAT CLUB: PATHFINDER 2005

March 16, 2023

VENICE, florida

FREEDOM BOAT CLUB

At Freedom Boat Club in Venice, FL, the need for effective hull protection is crucial for the entire fleet. A Pathfinder 2005, known as The Sheik, was in the spotlight for a hull protection makeover. While traditional bottom paints were the norm for other boats in the fleet, they came with their set of issues, from visible growth and fouling to environmental concerns. This blog explores Freedom Boat Club's decision to choose Hull Pro for The Sheik and the unique benefits it brought to the table.

HULL PRO’S SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OVER BOTTOM PAINTS

The initial comparison was stark. Vessels with traditional black bottom paint showed visible growth and fouling, even above the paint's surface. These traditional paints, while costly to apply, offered minimal protection to the hull and had detrimental effects. They slowed down vessel speeds, increased fuel consumption, and introduced hazardous biocides into the marine environment as the paint wore off.

Below are a few reasons Freedom Boat Club chose Hull Pro for the Sheik as a hull protectant.

REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Traditional paints released harmful biocides into the marine environment as they wore off, but Hull Pro's non-sacrificial nature ensures it doesn't contribute to environmental harm.
SIMPLE APPLICATION
Hull Pro’s application process is smooth and straightforward without the need for high application costs, respirators and PPE, and complicated surface prep. Hull Pro saves FBC’s team valuable time and effort, allowing them to serve their clients more efficiently.
MINIMAL FOULING AND GROWTH
After just four weeks in the water, vessels coated with Hull Pro displayed significantly less fouling and growth compared to counterparts with traditional bottom paint.
IMPROVED VESSEL PERFORMANCE
Beyond hull protection, Freedom Boat Club reap the rewards of improved vessel performance with Hull Pro. The increased vessel speeds and fuel savings helps to enhance the overall boating experience for their members.

Traditional anti-fouling paints don’t last more than a season. As they fail, growth and fouling can form below the water line. Re-application and removing anti-fouling paint and sanding down to bare gelcoat can be time-consuming and costly.

ENVIRONMENTALLY & APPLICATOR-FRIENDLY FORMULA

Applying traditional bottom paints are not only hazardous to applicators but contain biocides which are harmful for marine and aquatic life. Biocides are released into the water as these bottom paints wear off over time. When cleaning these traditional bottom painted hulls, not only are divers exposed to harmful chemicals, but ablative paint means that the paint is sacrificial. When it wears off a vessel’s hull, these harmful chemicals are released into the surrounding marine environments.

Hull Pro is easy to apply, doesn’t require complicated surface prep, and is biocide-free, making it an environmentally friendly choice for boat and fleet owners alike. Check out our Application Guide over Gelcoat and see how simple it is to apply Hull Pro.

HULL PRO ON THE SHEIK

BOTTOM PAINT - 1 year in the water

BALANCING HULL PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Unlike traditional anti-fouling paints that rely on biocides to prevent growth on vessel hulls, Hull Pro takes a different approach. It's biocide-free, which means it allows marine organisms to attach, albeit weakly, to the hull.

While this might seem counterintuitive, it strikes a balance between protection and maintenance, offering unique benefits for boat owners.  While Hull Pro's durable epoxy is designed to last multiple seasons, they don't eliminate the need for maintenance. Boat owners should incorporate routine cleaning into their maintenance schedules to ensure that the coating continues to perform at its best.   

If you happen to fall behind on cleaning and marine growth becomes more stubborn, fear not. A thorough cleaning using the correct methods will reset the coating, allowing it to resume its fouling-release function. This feature offers peace of mind, knowing that even if maintenance schedules slip occasionally, Hull Pro can bounce back with the proper care.  

In essence, Hull Pro strikes a balance between protection and environmental responsibility. While it permits marine growth to a certain extent, it also empowers boat owners to maintain their vessels without compromising on the coating's performance. With Hull Pro, you're not just investing in hull protection; you're embracing a solution that supports both your boat's longevity and the well-being of the marine environment.

LONG-TERM PROTECTION WITH A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH

A unique trait of Hull Pro became evident after five weeks post-application. The Sheik, coated with Hull Pro, exhibited a level of fouling that, while present, was considerably less severe. Hull Pro's non-sacrificial nature means it doesn't release harmful biocides and chemicals into the surrounding marine environment, even as time passes. This sustainable approach not only protects the vessel but also contributes to preserving the marine ecosystem.

In conclusion, Freedom Boat Club's choice of Hull Pro for The Sheik brought about a transformation in hull protection. Hull Pro not only reduced fouling and growth but also offered a sustainable and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional bottom paints. With Hull Pro, vessel owners can navigate the waters with confidence, knowing they have a reliable, eco-friendly, and effective solution for hull protection.