Coppercoat: High-Performance Copper-Epoxy Antifouling System
Coppercoat is a long-term underwater hull protection system designed to provide effective antifouling for 10 years or more. By suspending a high concentration of pure copper powder within a specialised epoxy resin, Coppercoat forms a durable, non-leaching barrier that protects the hull while maintaining hydrodynamic efficiency.
Unlike traditional ablative paints that erode and continuously release biocides into the water, Coppercoat’s stable epoxy matrix permanently encapsulates the copper, ensuring long-term durability and environmentally responsible performance.
1. Long-Term Economic Efficiency
Coppercoat is the most cost-effective antifouling solution over a multi-year period. While the initial material cost is comparable to premium conventional paints, the system eliminates annual repainting and significantly reduces haul-out frequency.
2. Integrated Hull Protection
The waterproof epoxy base provides dual protection:
- GRP Vessels: Acts as a barrier against water ingress and osmosis.
- Other Hull Materials: Offers enhanced mechanical protection against abrasion and impact damage.
3. Durability During Storage and Transport
Unlike conventional ablative or “soft” antifouling paints, Coppercoat does not degrade when exposed to air.
- Winter Storage: No chalking or loss of effectiveness during extended periods ashore.
- Trailering: The hard surface remains intact on rollers and does not rub off.
- Lifting: Once fully cured, the coating resists damage from crane slings and is non-slip, improving safety during handling.
4. Application and Repair
- DIY Compatible: Suitable for professional yards and private owners when applied according to instructions.
- Ease of Repair: Localised damage can be repaired without stripping the entire hull.
- Compatibility: Unlike many silicone-based coatings, Coppercoat can be sanded and overcoated with other systems if required.
Proven 30-Year Performance History
Coppercoat is not an experimental product. Developed in the 1980s and commercially available since 1991, it has been successfully applied to tens of thousands of vessels worldwide.
- Verified Longevity: Coppercoat has a standard service life of 10 years, with documented cases exceeding 23 years without recoating.
- Continuous Market Presence: It remains the only product from its manufacturer since 1991, proven in both inland and offshore marine environments.
- Global Usage: Proven in professional racing (Vendée Globe, Clipper Round the World Race) and demanding industrial applications.
Maintenance and Operational Efficiency
Hydrodynamic Performance
The hard epoxy finish allows for a smoother hull surface than traditional paints. Motorboat operators report increased speeds at lower RPM, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and engine wear. For competitive sailing, the surface can be polished to a high-gloss racing finish.
Maintenance Requirements
Coppercoat eliminates annual repainting but requires basic maintenance:
- Annual Cleaning: Pressure washing or light scrubbing to remove biofilm.
- In-Water Cleaning: Barnacles can be removed with a spatula without damaging the coating.
- Reactivation: The surface should be lightly sanded with 400-grit paper every few years to expose fresh copper.
Environmental Impact
By eliminating the cycle of annual paint erosion, Coppercoat significantly reduces the release of toxic biocides and hazardous waste into the marine environment. Its low-leach formulation is designed to comply with increasingly stringent global environmental regulations.
Note on Initial Performance: Peak effectiveness is achieved after the first season, once natural oxidation forms the required copper oxide layer.
