Antifouling and season preparation
Antifouling makes sense before launching, when the old coating is losing adhesion, is uneven or needs assessing together with the anodes and the underwater fittings. The scope is best set after looking at the bottom, not from the name of the paint alone.
Preparing the bottom for the season can involve washing, assessing the existing layers, removing loose coating and applying a system matched to the condition of the underwater body. Not every boat needs the old antifouling removed completely; that depends on its condition, the number of layers and the compatibility of the planned coating.
When it is worth extending the scope
When working below the waterline it is worth looking at the anodes, the propeller, the through-hulls and the seacocks at the same time. Visible blisters, flaking or traces of corrosion need a separate assessment — a new coat alone does not settle the cause of the problem.
What to prepare for an initial assessment
- photos of the whole bottom and close-ups of areas with damage, blisters or flaking,
- information on when the previous coating was applied and with what, if available,
- the type of drive plus photos of the anodes, the propeller and the underwater fittings.
What the scope and the initial quote depend on
What matters is the area and the access to the hull, the condition of the previous layers, the need for repairs and the extent of the checks on underwater components. Photos help identify the points to look at, but they do not replace an assessment at the boat; the initial quote can change once the condition under the coating is revealed.