What are the main types of fouling?
bacteria and diatoms put up
Fouling, or more accurately ‘bio-
are later followed by protozoa
fouling’, is the build-up of plant
and macroalgae. This brings on
and animal life that occurs on
the process of a micro-fouling
all submerged structures, from
formation.
shop on the carbon-enriched surface. These primary colonizers
rocks to oil rigs – and, of course, boat hulls.
Secondly, after about a week, protozoa and macroalgae release
These are generally split up into
spores allowing a place for the
two subdivisions: micro-fouling
secondary colonizers to put up
and macro-fouling. Micro-fouling
shop. This step increases the
is made up of microscopic bio-
roughness of the surface creating
organisms, such as slime, bacteria
the perfect landing ground for
and other small algal life forms.
macrofouling.
Macro-fouling is the bigger stuff that we boaters tend to
Lastly, after around three weeks
get worked up about, such as
plus, the growth and settlement
barnacles, muscles, tubeworm,
of tertiary colonizers such
sea squirts and seaweed.
as marine invertebrates and
How does biofouling take effect? First, the surface gets submerged. In this process, organic carbon is absorbed on the wet submerged surface. Next, the main colonizers,
macroalgae start to form. This phase is known as macro-fouling and is where the real damage happens. It seems harmless – just some organisms making their home. However, it causes big problems for emerged surfaces. If untreated, it can cause huge amounts of damage.
Why should I worry about it?
What are the current options?
Any significant growth of fouling has an immediate
The three main choices for leisure boaters are to:
effect on your boat’s performance and fuel
1 2 3
efficiency. On planing powerboats even, a light buildup of fouling can knock five knots off your top speed and increase fuel consumption by 30% due to the increased workload on the engines. Heavier growth may prevent a boat from planing altogether.
Does fouling vary from place to place? Absolutely – from place to place and even year to year, according to the water temperature, its salinity, the level of sunlight, the number of nutrients and countless other factors. Generally speaking, the higher the water temperature, the greater the growth, hence the reason fouling is so bad in the Middle East. There are variations in the UK too, with local boaters invariably claiming that their haunt is the worst.
Paint it with some form of eroding anti-fouling.
Coat it with a semi-permanent copper treatment
Prevent build-up of growth by keeping it clear of the water or regular scrubbing of the hull.
What is the latest technology to remove bio-fouling safely while the boat is in the water? This is what Smooth Sailing has brought to the UAE. Our system uses low-pressure cavitation to safely remove biofouling without damaging your anti-fouling paint as scrapping or brushing does. This will help your anti-fouling paint last longer. This method of removing bio-fouling has been extensively tested by the US and British Navies.
RYAN WYNN Chief Operating Officer
Al Najmat Tower A, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 50 811 4541 Email: ryan.wynn@smoothsailing.ae www.smoothsailing.ae