New Cuniguard Antifouling Brings Major Savings To Boat Owners

Jan. 6, 2010 - PRLog -- Despite its long lasting effectiveness, CuNiGuard does not release harmful biocides into the environment.  The system can also provide boat owners with relief from the annual chore of lifting-out their craft to apply a new coating of expensive antifouling paint.  Because of this a boat can, in theory, be left in the water year after year which can save costs and will also be particularly beneficial to blue water sailors.

Visitors to the London International Boat Show (Jan 8 - 17, London ExCeL Centre) will be able to see CuNiGuard on the Permateek stand (N026N) and appreciate the quality of the coating by also visiting the stand of Discovery Yachts Ltd (D018). This company is exhibiting its new Discovery 50 catamaran which is designed for ocean cruising and has been given a long-lasting protective coat of CuNiGuard.

CuNiGuard is a new product developed and manufactured in Britain by part of the well-established decking producer, Permateek. It is a process that combines the traditional antifouling characteristics of copper (Cu) with the durability of nickel (Ni).  A complete layer of copper nickel is professionally sprayed onto a specially formulated epoxy resin base coat. This process ensures that the only substance in contact with the water is copper nickel. The epoxy base coat lies beneath the outer copper nickel layer and does not interfere with its protective qualities. This ensures an even surface coverage that provides total protection.  

The precise combination of the two metals creates an alloy that erodes more slowly than copper alone. Upon immersion in seawater, the copper oxide film present on the CuNiGuard outer layer will react with the water to form a thin slippery surface covering of cuprous oxide . This layer will create an inhospitable environment for most marine life forms and yet is not toxic and results in one of the most effective antifouling systems available. The use of an epoxy resin binder provides the further benefit of protecting steel hulls against corrosion and providing GRP boats with additional waterproofing and protection against osmosis.

Because the copper granules in CunNiGuard provide 100 per cent coverage it ensures maximum protection. This is unlike other antifouling systems that use pure copper granules or a biocide suspended in resin and require frequent abrasion to bring the active ingredient to the surface. CuNiGuard, on the other hand, remains fully active regardless of the amount of vessel movement and requires very little in the way of maintenance. There is no need to hoist-out the boat to regularly pressure wash or abrade its surface so it is also ideal for boats that may spend prolonged periods on a mooring without use.  

The average cost of using CuNiGuard is calculated at around GB£65 per square metre. Because a single application will last for many years and will also eliminate the need for regular hoisting-out and re-launching, the long term cost savings can be substantial. It will also liberate the owner from an unpleasant task that many see as one of the major drawbacks to boat ownership.

CuNiGuard does not contain biocides or TBTs and has a low leaching rate so it has a minimal impact upon the surrounding environment. The system has been fully approved by the UK Health & Safety Executive after testing that proved its compliance with UK and EU Law. It is recognised for use within the marine environment and holds its own HSE Certification Number.

The quality of CuNiGuard antifouling is also ensured by its only being available through an expanding network of professional applicators. The company is now welcoming the interest of potential applicators for whom full training is provided. This is expected to make it an attractive new business opportunity for many individuals, for boat yards and also for boat builders that can offer a long lasting antifouling as an additional feature for their products.

Futher information can be found by visiting the CuNiGuard website at;  www.copperantifoul.com.

-ENDS-

Sales enquiries contact:

Vince Coda,
CuNiGuard, Marine Technology Ltd,
5 Kyrchil Way, Colehill, Dorset, BH21 2RU
Tel:+44 (0)1202 887519     Mobile: 07764 474786    Email: vince@permateek.com