For sailors who haven’t heard yet, Interlux just announced to their resellers that they’ve discontinued production of VC 17m antifouling bottom paint due to international environmental regulations and conformance.
Pettit had an equivalent called SR-21 but it was disco’d 5-6 years ago. There is currently no other antifouling paint that’s compatible to apply over VC 17m.
Plan accordingly…
Definitely nothing goes over it. But apparently a new formula is out. The old VC17extra was discontinued a while ago.
https://forums.sailinganarchy.com/threads/vc17m-and-sr21-retired-whats-the-replacement.229473/
When I moved west the VC17 had to go and it was a job getting it off. Never again, soda blast it off.
I used Coppercoat. It was a lengthy process to apply but after the 3rd year we a re more than pleased. Virtually zero build up after a year in the water so all we need is a light power wash. Supposed to last 10 pus years, stay tuned.
Here is the response I received from international paint when I asked about vc17 being discontinued in Canada, and if a compatible product will be available.
Bill Kroes
NS 36 ~ 24 “Canatara”
Sarnia, Ontario
“Unfortunately that is correct, our Canadian version of VC-17 will not be available in 2024. It will remain on the website till into 2024 as customers will still use it if they have bought or get some current VC-17 in 2024 and will need product information. The company is working on something to replace or go over it. Once this happens we will let customers know.. hope this helps.”
Best regards,
Joe Hernandez
Technical Support Representative - Yacht
Marine, Protective and Yacht
International Paint LLC.
6001 Antoine drive
Houston TX,77091
Actually, Pettit’s Hydrocoat and Neptune NRT are compatible, per their chart: https://pettitpaint.com/media/4777/pettit-paint_antifouling-compatibility-chart_technical-bulletin.pdf
Those aren’t racing paints, but perhaps there’s hope if you need a hard paint.
Dan Weinstein
NS30C “Look Farther”
East Greenwich, RI
Brent:
Some further info re compatible Pettit paints.
Hugh
VC17 is different than other paints. Before I spent money on something that claimed to top coat it I asked for names of successful users. Be a huge mess to clean up it it doesn’t work
Another data point on this from a shop in the Toronto area
Now I’ve never heard of AkzoNobel referenced in the above link. Interlux is just one of many many subsidiaries.
https://www.akzonobel.com/en/about-us/our-brands-
just a point of interest
Bill Daeuber
30U Good News #323
Toronto
AkzoNobel… International bottom paint, Cetol varnish, Awlgrip hull paint are all their marine products, plus there’s a good chance your car has been painted with Sikkens paint.
Don
On the subject of bottom paint, I’ve been using Pettit’s Hydrocoat for about 6 or 7 years. One of it’s attractions to me is the ablative quality. It never builds up and has to be sanded off like hard paints do periodically. Every two years I rough sand the bottom and apply one more coat. Since it’s water based, it’s exceptionally easy to use and clean up.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
I too am a big fan of hydro coat in the Chesapeake Bay. Easy to apply and clean up afterwards and it won’t kill you as fast the more common other products.
Ed Strazzini
PELICAN N33 #36
Deltaville VA
Not currently using Pettit Hydrocoat due to recently having boats that came with other bottom paints, but I can attest to it having worked well for me on previous boats in Southern Californian waters.
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233
Hydro coat does not seem to be available in Canada although Walmart.ca indicates it will ship it. Petit does not list it as a product for Canada.
Mark Powers
I have used Hydrocoat for the last 20 years on the Gulf coast of Florida with great success. Last year I switched to Sea Hawk Monterey ($155.00 gal.) water based paint because of the rapid escalation of the Hydrocoat price ($270.00 gal). The Hydrocoat price is West Marine so it may be available elsewhere for less. So far the results have been equal. The only difference I noted was that the Monterey required more often stirring but didn’t skim as quickly. I’m guessing that indicates more water content. Time will tell.
Ron Weber
N22 Magic Time
Punta Gorda Fl