Freshening up your anti-fouling at the start of each season is a tedious necessity, but necessity it certainly is. Chris Beeson explains why
What difference does fouling make?
Even light fouling, like slime, can reduce your speed by 5-10 per cent. YM technical editor Graham Snook noted his usual upwind speed of 5.5 knots reduced by half a knot with moderate fouling, ‘Like it’s got ’flu,’ says Graham.
This amount of fouling will make a notable difference to both speed and handling
Fouling, like that seen here on a Contessa 32 will provide significantly greater drag and could affect close-quarters handling, and you’ll notice it instantly. Fouling rarely grows evenly, as one side of the hull is often more exposed to the sun, slowing speed on one tack.
The owner of this yacht could only make one knot under power
It’s not just speed through the water that’s affected. Growth on propellers can also significantly reduce power output.
Continues below…
How to antifoul your boat: a step by step guide
No one likes to antifoul their yacht, but keeping a boat free of the harmful growth is vital. Adam Fiander…
Invasive species: How sailors can help tackle biofouling
While yachts are unlikely to introduce invasive species from abroad, they can help them spread around the coast. Sarah Brown…
Eco friendly sailing: Best practice for green yachting
How easy is it to go eco friendly sailing? We look at the steps cruisers can take to minimise their…
Nigel Calder noted that ‘with just a handful of barnacles, fuel consumption increases almost 50 per cent’.
The owner of this yacht, with its heavily barnacled prop, found she could only motor at one knot.
Enjoyed reading What difference does fouling make?
A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price.
Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals.
YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.
- Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
- Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
- Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.