It’s that time of year — planning my annual haul-out and antifoul. I thought I’d share what’s worked for me in Mallorca’s warm waters, because what works in the English Channel doesn’t always work here.
The warm water in the Med means growth is aggressive, especially from June to October. You need a harder, more active antifoul than you might use in the UK.
What I’ve used:
- International Micron Extra — Good multi-season antifoul. Self-polishing so it wears evenly. My go-to for the last few years.
- Hempel Olympic — Used this before Micron. Decent but I found it didn’t last as well into the second season.
- Coppercoat — I know a few boats here with it and the results are mixed. Some swear by it, others have had problems. It’s expensive to apply but if it works, you save in the long run.
I’m haul-out booked at Astilleros de Mallorca in September. Anyone else using them? Tips welcome.
What’s your antifoul routine?
I’ve been using International Trilux 33 on the Hallberg-Rassy and it’s excellent in Mallorca waters. It’s a harder antifoul which I prefer because I’m in the water year-round. The self-polishing types can wear through unevenly if you’re not sailing regularly.
Astilleros de Mallorca are good — I used STP in Palma last year and was happy with the service too. Shop around on yard prices, they vary quite a bit.
The charter boats I work on all use International Micron — it’s the industry standard here for a reason. Get two good coats on and it’ll last a full season in Mallorca waters. I’d add: don’t underestimate the importance of the primer. A proper epoxy primer coat makes a big difference to how long the antifoul lasts.
I went with Coppercoat on my hull when I had the boat out in Sardinia. Two years in and it’s still performing well, but you absolutely must prep the surface properly — any shortcut in the application and you’ll have problems. I’d recommend having a professional apply it.
The advantage for a cruising boat is that you can scrub it regularly without losing material. I dive and scrub mine every month or so.
This is really helpful for when we buy. Is it worth getting a survey done before buying to check the antifoul condition? Or is it something you’d just redo anyway when you take ownership?
@tom_lisa A survey should definitely check the hull condition including antifoul. But yes, when you buy a boat in the Med, budget for a fresh haul-out and antifoul regardless. You want to start with a clean slate — literally. You don’t know what’s under there until it’s out of the water.