Sponsor Content created with International Yacht PaintSpring is in the wind and the start of the sailing season draws near. Give your boat the care it deserves, enhance its value and improve performance with some timely tips from the experts at Akzonobel\u2019s International brand.
\nMaintaining your boat both above and below the waterline is a vital part of keeping it in good condition. Spring is the perfect time to engage in a little TLC, as temperatures start to mellow and the boat will soon be back in the water.
\nWhether you\u2019re looking to clean, protect or enhance your boat, this step-by-step guide to coatings will ensure a smooth sailing season.
\nRemember to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, overalls with a hood and goggles or glasses. A mask is also vital if you are removing old coatings. Spread a tarpaulin under the boat to collect scrapings and dust from sanding. Dispose of this in the hazardous waste bin at the boatyard or local recycling centre.
\nIf applying antifouling outdoors, check the weather will remain suitable
\nClean and inspect the hull
\nAfter a long winter ashore, wash the hull thoroughly with International Super Cleaner to remove dirt, salt, and grime. Use this opportunity to check for cracks in the gel coat or paint that may need repair. If the gel coat appears dull or chalky, consider buffing, polishing, or repainting to restore its shine.
\nCheck below the waterline
\nInspect the hull for osmosis. The telltale sign is blisters that weep a vinegar-smelling fluid when pierced. Examine the keel and rudder for impact damage, cracks, or coating detachment.
\nIf repairs are needed, grind out affected areas early to allow for proper drying before refinishing. Depending on the hull substrate material, apply 1-5 layers of Primocon primer and then 2-3 coats of your chosen antifoul.
\nEnsure new surfaces are appropriately primed before antifouling
\nInspect and protect decks & brightwork
\nAir out lockers and bilges by opening lids, lifting sole boards, and letting everything dry. Clean and repaint bilges and lockers if coatings appear worn or damaged. International\u2019s Danboline is hard-wearing and easy to apply in 1-2 coats. Inspect woodwork.
\nConsider oiling teak with International Schooner or Woodskin to keep it in top condition. Varnish and seal brightwork regularly to prevent water and UV damage. You can select the perfect wood finish from our product guide.
\nRefresh non-slip deck areas for safety and durability. Wash, scrub, and then apply two coats of Interdeck with brush or roller.
\nChoose a still, windless day to apply antifouling or any other boat paint outdoors
\nFouling control and hull protection
\nAssess condition of the current antifouling finish. If paint is flaking or layers have built up into an uneven surface, it should be stripped back. Brush on Interstrip AF to ease this task. Sand and
\nprepare the surface before applying new fouling control.
\nChoose the right fouling control for conditions and boat type:<\/p>\n
Micron 350 is an advanced self-polishing copolymer for the harshest fouling areas
\nMicron 300, Cruiser 250 and Cruiser 200 are effective against medium fouling
\nBoatguard 100 is for lighter fouling areas
\nUltra 300, Hard Antifouling and VC Offshore EU for hard racing finish<\/p>\n
If switching brands, check compatibility charts to ensure proper adhesion \u2013 Primocon is effective as a vinyl-based primer on most existing coatings. Don\u2019t forget to antifoul the prop \u2013 International Propeller Primer is a quick drying one-part primer with excellent adhesion properties.
\nUse masking tape to create a clean boot-top line
\nFinish with high-performance topcoat
\nYour boat\u2019s topsides need protection, too! Prime above the waterline with 2-4 coats of One UP and finish with 2-3 coats of vibrant gloss in a colour of your choice from the Toplac Plus system.
\nAdvantages of International Toplac Plus include:<\/p>\n
Fewer coats required to achieve a professional finish faster.
\nEnhanced UV protection maintains colour & gloss for longer.
\nA smoother, glossier finish \u2013 no need for tipping with a brush.<\/p>\n
Check out the International Boat Painting Guide for more information
\nThe post Spring 2026 boat maintenance guide appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sponsor Content created with International Yacht PaintSpring is in the wind and the start of the sailing season draws near. Give your boat the care it deserves, enhance its value and improve performance with some timely tips from the experts … <\/p>\n