A biocide-free silicone-based underwater coating: Hafischhaut is breaking new ground. We test how the product performs in practice on board a Hanse 315 moored in Travemünde. An interim report:
Anyone expecting a clean hull after half a season with a biocide-free underwater coating is asking too much. Even Vosschemie's Sharkskin (50 euros per 750 ml) cannot achieve this. Especially not when the test boat is moored in the particularly biologically active Trave estuary, where many genuine antifoulings also fail. So the sight of a pockmarked underwater hull is only a negative surprise for those unfamiliar with the area. But then comes the pleasant realisation: the growth can be easily removed. Wet pocks are pushed off with a finger, the sponge removes them in rows, completely residue-free. However, even the sharkskin does not forgive the tougher approach; anyone working with a scrubbing brush quickly damages the silicone layer and has to brush again. A pressure washer is the perfect solution: in minutes, the hull is as clean as it was in spring, without damaging the surface. Interim conclusion: Cleaning is sensible and necessary, but should be done carefully.
