Antifouling & PropSpeed

Hull prepped, antifouled, back in the water.

We'll strip it back properly, pick the right paint for your boat and where you sail, and apply it the way it's meant to be done.

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The Basics

What is antifouling?

Antifouling paint is a biocide-based coating applied to the underwater hull of a boat to prevent marine growth — barnacles, weed, slime, and other organisms that attach themselves to bare fibreglass or paint below the waterline. Left unchecked, that growth creates drag, slows your boat down, increases fuel consumption, and causes real damage to gel coat and osmotic barriers over time.

From Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf to the Coromandel and Tauranga, growth happens fast. The water is warm, nutrient-rich, and the marine fouling season is essentially year-round. A well-prepped, correctly applied antifoul is one of the most important things you can do to protect your hull and keep your boat performing the way it should — whether you're crossing the Tasman or just heading out on weekends.

How We Do It

Our antifouling process

  1. 1

    Haul out and initial inspection

    We assess the existing coating condition, note any osmotic blistering, damage, or bare patches that need attention before paint goes on.

  2. 2

    Scrape back and pressure wash

    We remove all existing growth, old flaking paint, and contamination. Proper preparation is everything — this step determines how long your antifoul lasts.

  3. 3

    Hull preparation and priming

    Any bare fibreglass, osmotic repairs, or areas needing fairing are treated and primed before we go anywhere near antifoul paint. We don't paint over problems.

  4. 4

    Antifoul selection

    We'll talk you through the best product for your boat, where you sail, and how often she goes in and out of the water. Not all antifoul is the same — the right choice matters.

  5. 5

    Application

    Applied by hand or roller in the correct number of coats, with full attention to waterline edges, keel joins, and rudder leading edges where growth always starts.

  6. 6

    Running gear and PropSpeed

    Propellers, shafts, struts, and rudders are treated separately. If you're having PropSpeed applied, this is done at this stage.

  7. 7

    Final check before relaunch

    We inspect the full job before she goes back in. No rushed relaunches.

Running Gear

PropSpeed

PropSpeed is a specialist foul-release coating designed for propellers, shafts, rudders, and other underwater running gear. Unlike antifouling paint, PropSpeed doesn't kill fouling organisms — it creates an ultra-smooth, low-friction surface that makes it almost impossible for growth to get a grip. Anything that does try to attach simply washes off as soon as the boat moves through the water.

A fouled propeller doesn't just look bad — it costs you performance and money. Barnacle growth on a prop increases drag, reduces thrust efficiency, causes vibration, and puts extra load on the engine. For blue water and offshore vessels where efficiency matters on long passages, a clean prop treated with PropSpeed can make a measurable difference to speed and fuel burn. For motor cruisers and powerboats, the improvement is even more noticeable.

PropSpeed requires thorough surface preparation and correct application technique to bond and perform correctly. We're experienced applicators — it's not a product to leave to chance.

What we apply it to

  • —Propellers (all sizes and materials)
  • —Propeller shafts and shaft tubes
  • —Rudders and rudder stocks
  • —Trim tabs and stabiliser fins
  • —Struts, P-brackets, and running gear

Choosing the Right Paint

Product options

Choosing the right antifoul comes down to how your boat is used, where you keep it, and your budget. We work with a range of proven products and we'll recommend what's right for your boat — not just what's on the shelf.

Ablative (self-polishing)

The most common choice for Auckland boats. The paint gradually wears away as the boat moves, releasing biocide over time. Good for boats that are used regularly.

Hard antifoul

Builds up with recoating and can be burnished smooth for a performance finish. Best suited to racing yachts or fast powerboats where bottom smoothness matters.

Eco-friendly & low-copper

For marinas or areas with restrictions on copper-based antifouling, we can advise on compliant alternatives that still do the job.

Why It Matters

Why professional application matters

Getting antifouling right isn't just a matter of rolling paint on. The prep work — scraping back, pressure washing, priming bare patches, fairing any damage — accounts for the vast majority of how long the coating lasts and how well it performs. A poor prep job means early failure, growth coming through in the first season, and money wasted. We've seen plenty of DIY antifoul jobs that looked fine on the hard and lasted six months in the water. When you get it done properly, you should be confident it'll go the distance.

Common Questions

FAQs

How often should I antifoul my boat?
Most Auckland boats need antifouling every 12 months. Boats kept in the water permanently, or used frequently in warmer months, may need it annually without question. Boats that are regularly hauled or kept in a dry stack may be able to stretch to 18 months with the right product. We'll give you an honest recommendation based on how you use your boat.
What is PropSpeed and is it worth it?
PropSpeed is a foul-release coating for propellers and running gear that prevents marine growth from sticking. It's worth it — particularly for motor vessels, offshore yachts, and any boat where efficiency and performance matter. A clean, PropSpeed-treated prop runs better, puts less strain on the drivetrain, and saves you fuel. The coating typically lasts 12–18 months and can be reapplied at your next antifouling.
How much does antifouling cost in Auckland?
Antifouling costs vary depending on the size of the boat, the condition of the existing paint, and the product chosen. We'll give you a clear quote upfront with no surprises. Contact us with your boat's details and we'll get back to you quickly.
Do I need to be there when you do the work?
No — most of our customers aren't. We'll handle everything at the yard, keep you updated, and let you know when she's ready to go back in. If you want to come and have a look at the prep stage or when we're done, you're always welcome.

Ready to book your antifoul?

Tell us your boat, where she's berthed, and roughly when you want her done — and we'll get back to you with a straightforward quote.

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