How to Antifoul your boat hull - Small boat owner

Antifouling the boat ready for the coming fishing season is a job that many people put off and dread. Here is how I prep and antifoul my fishing boat. Nice and simple. Proper antifouling can not only protect your boat hull but also improve your fuel efficiency and running costs.

[@the_internet_332]

I've noticed some of your posts have tons of views and some have fewer, but I want to say as a land dweller who randomly found your videos, I really appreciate these posts, your presentation and clever knowledge. Keep it up and thanks for being you!

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

MAgmaPlE - Thank you, it just shows what is universally interesting and what is niche. The niche vids are usually the smaller views vids. But often the most helpful for anyone wanting to know. 😉👍🏻🛥

[@the_internet_332]

@@thefishlockerworkshop :)

[@itslowtide4690]

As I watched the tape come off, I had that thought - so satisfying to watch it - then the video said the same thing!

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

PNWSillyHeart - Haha. Great minds think alike. 😉

[@vlf126]

Great job John , attention to detail is the best way forward for the upcoming season , Thanks for the video ...

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Steve C - Thats it mate. Take pride in what you do, whatever it is. 😉

[@timmywhizreFre5h]

Been well over 25 years since we had our boat, so many hours spent looking after her.

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- They are a big responsibility aren't they. :)

[@danielkiraly4868]

Another very useful video! Cheers John!

[@pompeyo7]

great video, great advice and i love that your little fella helps you.

[@yamiatemyugi]

The sanding and painting is satisfying

[@kimweston2631]

Nice to see your lad 'helping out'

[@PhreddCrintt]

Excellent - as always John.

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- I hope it helps folks out Mike. :)

[@lizwallace9672]

Well that was interesting it brought back memories I was a qualified assistant painter in rosyth dockyard

[@lizwallace9672]

When we did the water line it was chalk and string and we used air fed machines to remove paint love seeing James helping you

[@kevinbuckler1085]

Great job,and good to see you had your assistant keeping an eye on you !!!

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- I was the assistant. He was the supervisor. Haha

[@Goldshot123]

Great video. I have just bought my first boat, a Shetland 460 for fresh and saltwater fishing, and will have to antifoul soon. Thanks for the clear video, mate, keep up with the great fishing!!

[@stewyripper]

excellent video again mate, boat is looking good now.

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Stuart Allen - Just got a couple more things to do and she will be 100% for the coming season. 😉🛥🎣🐟🐟🐟

[@Relay300]

Great video, very helpful thanks

[@retiredcarpenter8554]

as usual you do a great job of explaining the need for and the application of....

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Thanks mate, I hope this helps folks out. :)

[@glencronin1592]

Love your attention to detail, and all your videos most informative help me with my fishing.

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Glen Cronin - It is my pleasure Glen, I am glad we could help. 😊👍🏻🛥

[@jmc8018]

Really satisfying job, looks good. Great tip about doing the two colours to see where it’s worn 👍

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- It also helps to see where you've painted and where needs doing. ;)

[@danhartigan9529]

I really enjoy your vids.

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Thank you very much :)

[@antaron6]

Great useful video, thanks !

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

antaron6 - It is my pleasure. Glad it was useful 😊👍🏻

[@willhagler9334]

Top coat bottom coat, two different colors...Brilliant !!! Thank you.

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Common sense when someone says it isn't it ;)

[@peteranddorothybowles5428]

going to have to do it Boats been in hbr for 2 wks and growth on the glass has knocked my power right down Good tips again I really didn't realize how towed boats need antifoul if kept in saltwater for any time Take care mate

[@BritishBoy1971]

Lovely job! ☺️👍

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Thanks mate. :)

[@alanwoolley1681]

Excellent Video never knew you needed a different anti foul for over 30 knots cheers Al

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Alan Woolley - That is the rule of thumb, makes sense doesn’t it. Not that I’ll ever be going 30 knots 😆🛥

[@trampster7306]

@@thefishlockerworkshop I'd never heard of that either, but wouldn't a hard anti-fouling paint give more protection John? Or is it so much more expensive or something that prevents you using it?

[@vr_gamers8116]

Stellar job John, saved yourself a right few quid there... and you got all that satisfaction knowing it's done properly.. Likewise, I've just finished gel coating and polishing my Kayak, it's now like new and should be much faster and good for many years of fishing. Keep busy John and stay safe. ATB.

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Thats it mate. Saved some pennies and the job is done to my standards. Win win. Take care mate and tight lines. :)

[@AmazingFishingUK]

great job looking nice. small advice remove mastic tape before paint drys this way you avoid edge chipping of while removing tape :)

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Amazing Fishing UK - Thats a good shout. I’ve always done it the morning after and even then found the paint can be soft but not tacky. If I do it wet I just end up with paint everywhere 😆

[@dead_pixel_]

The Fish Locker Workshop yeah I always remove mask tape literally as soon as I’ve finished , nice clean lines 👍🏻 none the less another cracking video John 😄, ps: you can come do mine if you like it’s my least favourite job when getting the boat season ready 😀👍🏻

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Paul Strike Fishing - You’re ok mate. 😆👍🏻

[@trampster7306]

I think John masked the line once & probably applied 4 coats, so only the top coat would have been still tacky when he finished anyway! The paint has to dry between coats!

[@damianowens5066]

Hiya mate I've not long got home from helping Kev anti foul, polish and wax his boat and I'm absolutely knackered! Next year you could pop up to liverpool and give us a hand! Lol 😴😂😉👍

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- I just saw the post he put up. Thats a blooming big boat that. Spit, paint, polish and anodes is a big on something that size!!! Well done she looks spanking. ;)

[@damianowens5066]

@@thefishlockerworkshop it sure is mate and even bigger in the flesh! Back Tuesday and Wednesday to varnish all the wood in the cabin and paint the loo and then give it all a good clean, she will be spankin then! 😉👍

[@robnicolson2747]

Great vid as always, ive never painted a boat but found frog tape much better for painting in houses than normal masking tape might make the prep easier for next time matey :-)

[@liamgarrity2174]

Brill video john i prep a d paint busses as part of my job and you did a cracking job ! Dont know why i watched it though ive never had or plan on owning a boat ! Little tip for your masking tape too take it off when pain isnt fully dry its easier and doesnt flake the edge

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- I had meant to take it off when it was tacky but forgot until the following day. ;)

[@neilhellens8956]

Great post John as per usual...You were peeling that tape at the same time my missus was peeling my sunburn off my shoulders..She suggested that I should get my bottom anti fouled..I laughingly felled her with a swift upper right cross... Just joking......It was a left upper cut..I think I need to go fishing

[@l.r.sfishing4011]

That was awesome I love these how to beat vids so useful!!! Thanks for sharing

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- No problem at all mate, just trying to help. :)

[@l.r.sfishing4011]

@@thefishlockerworkshop lol I ment boat vids hahahaha

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

L.R.S FISHING - I guessed it’s what you meant 😉

[@l.r.sfishing4011]

@@thefishlockerworkshop 🤣🤣

[@janbundell6434]

Great job John......Bob (IOW)

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- My pleasure mate. All the best. :)

[@inspirality]

A really professional looking job John well done mate A tip given/shown to me by a professional decorator friend is to put the tray into a plastic bag before pouring the paint into it Pour the paint and work as usual. When you have finished remove the clean tray from the bag, turn the bag inside out and bin it Super easy and no cleaning to do 👍

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- That is a very useful tip mate. Thank you for that. ;)

[@johnkester5926]

I have 5 boats 4 trailer sailors , 1 stays in the water year around, but mine is in fresh water so I don't have to worry about barnacles but we do get algae so we only have to clean mine with a brush once in a while in the water but we do paint mine about every 8 to 10 years, the others that are in trailers are just cleaned after sailing fresh water or salt water sense I only use them for maybe sense I only use them for a day or so I don't really have to worry about barnacles. but you do put out very informative videos John!

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- That makes sense. You are a lucky man to have so many boats. :)

[@happyhermit2022]

Really interesting thank you:

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- No problem at all Paul. It is our pleasure. :)

[@theoisaac3564]

Appreciate your thing they will appreciate you good tips have good day

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Theo Isaac - Thank you Theo. I hope this helps folks out. 😊👍🏻

[@theoisaac3564]

@@thefishlockerworkshop Yeah it will for when I get a boat but appreciate the video

[@createdezign1840]

You know If I could get away with it I'd wear a dinosaur Hooded onesie and blue Thomas wellies all the time, Night clubs, shopping the lot. John your kid rocks.... :) Also most impressed by your rabbit helper.. ;)

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Haha. You and me both. And thats no ordinary rabbit. Its a GUARD RABBIT!! Who needs a dog?! Haha

[@Hogey501]

2c'nd coat by Fishlocker Jr. And we're all good to go! Gotta luv im....:)

[@Yasserflehan1970]

Thank u for providing me with a lot of information. How long to keep the paint to dry then to drop the boat to the sea

[@fleosflanacek]

Hi john, really good vid (as per usual). How often do you antifoul?

[@markdunbar8219]

Got to do mine soon not looking forward to all the dust 😫 great blog many thanks 👍I need to renew the Cottle pins as a few rollers have come loose because the pins have rusted ...

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Mark Dunbar - Thats a pain in the bum if you let them get stuck. Good luck. 👍🏻

[@markdunbar8219]

@@thefishlockerworkshop that's a quick reply 😁 yes I have to drill most of them out I have zinc plated pins to replace them was previous owner let them get like it should have it ship shape when weather is good to take it out 🤔 may how it to Brittany for a few weeks in the summer get my own back on the French fisherman 🤣

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Mark Dunbar - Good luck with that.

[@MrAndyhat]

Looks sick in black 👍

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Andy Milton - I did look wicked didn’t it. Only problem is it looks manky when it’s dirty. It’s like a car. Awesome when clean. Shabby when dirty.

[@garethh6962]

Very informative vid I plan on getting a boat for fishing around same size you have there. I’m a fresh water angler live in land don’t have a driving licence as I had a head injury but want to go out sea fishing bad in my own boat. So the main thing I need to sort now is docking the boat when I get it somewhere in East Yorkshire for a reasonable price. Is this anti fouling a one yearly thing..

[@trampster7306]

Good sound advice as always! My Mrs thinks I should get my undersides anti-fouled! Glad you didn't roll the boat back any further - without it being connected to a vehicle, I had visions of the Bow heading Skywards as the weight transferred! As always John, you had it weighed off! What was that lurking under the stern at 2.00 mins in - did my eyes deceive me or was there a pet Rabbit lurking? !!

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Its our semi wild fully vicious guard rabbit!!! Beware!!!! ;)

[@OBLIVIONevolvedurbex]

Done a good job there mate ,have you got a vid showing how to make a lobster/crab pot? interested how they made.

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Already done one mate. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYHXi4uQgdWeqKM

[@davidpolidano8209]

Hey great video, I've been involved in yacht maintenance for a while and wet sending is generally the way to go when the aim is to only slap on a fresh coat of AF. Does this apply aswell for small fast boats like this?

[@IOMFishing]

Nice job, don't suppose you fancy doing mine, been putting it off since Christmas!!

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Haha. You're alright mate. Its definitely a job thats better done than put off. ;)

[@stevagaga]

Hi John:). I just bought my first boat in Norway (beautiful 16 years old Askeladden 525 EXCEL), and I have to do the same job - which I never did before. Can you help me with some advices: 1. Are you washing the boat before aplying the paint? 2. How much time after you painted the last stroke is safe to put the boat in the water? 3. I can find on the paint box that is reccomended outside temperature for painting around 10 degrees celsius. Did you tried to paint on lower temperatures? 4. Can masking tape hold on the antifouling paint, so that I can polish the boat? Thank you:)

[@andrewcarson9068]

great stuff....what grit of sandpaper do you use?? cheers

[@marklaing6138]

Great vid...need to have a go at mine soon as never been redone in 17 years (kept on a trailer). Fancy doing it for me? 😂😂

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- If you only ever trailer it then you don't need anti foul as you are in and out before any marine life has chance to grow. :)

[@evamcbarnette3963]

cool

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Thank you Eva.

[@jimmyflynn1764]

i love my boat she's my baby well after the wife and kids i suppose when am not fishing I like to keep on top of the cleaning of her thing is I give it a good wash and polish and because its not in shelter 3 days later looks like she's never been done ive had jimmysjoy from new in 2006 and like to keep on top of things I need to do oh somebody told me about rubbing compound it called FARECLA PROFILE 300 RAPID CUT COMPOUND what great stuff it is brought my boat up like new again

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Thanks for that Jimmy. I do love our boat but for me it is a tool. I keep her clean and looked after but I don't worry about her being shiny any more. :P

[@Alexxx---101]

Change the play back speed on this video back to 0.5x and it's quite funny.

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Haha. Whatever takes your fancy. ;)

[@chopperhehehe]

Cracking job. If worth doing do it right 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄🎣😁✌️

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

chopperhehehe - No point half arsing a job is there.

[@davidholmes2665]

Hi john just found this video, really helpfull I've just bought an orkney longliner it's been out of the water for some time and has no cuddy at the moment so i can turn it upside down to work on the hull to prepare it before i put it into service, would it be best to paint it first before anti fouling or just clean it then anti foul hope to hear from you soon

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

david holmes - Dealers choice. If it was me I’d paint it then do the anti foul.

[@gazellis1961]

Great video as always John ..simple to follow ..with a great finish Would you attempt to do paint work above the water mark your self?

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- What type of paint work? You mean like name writing? Or simply painting a wooden boat?

[@gazellis1961]

@@thefishlockerworkshop Not so much the writing side..the blue side above the water line John.

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

gazellis1961 - If it’s already painted. It’s not drama. Just strip it back like I did and give it some good coats. If it’s gelcoat I wouldn’t both. Once you’ve painted it once, you need to keep painting it.

[@neilmcewan198]

Gel coat bottom do I need to primmer the bottom before antifouling paint

[@johnevans382]

Like your boat is it 20ft? Many thanks john

[@andrewcarson9068]

Could I ask what sandpaper grit level you use....thanks great video

[@rmf574]

I find that your standard 240 grit electric sander does the job fine, but you can use just about most grits, just be careful not to go too far with it :)

[@jerrysims7900]

Gave you a like

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Thankyou.

[@williamrendall134]

I have a 14ft Dejon cabin cruiser and bought in 2016, done it up the first year. I have grey primered it with 2 coats "Hempel" and 2 coats "Hempel Black", for 7 years. Now this year I bought "Black Hempel Antifouling", I used a roller as usual my head, face, arms, neck, and trailer was covered in (Black) I have never had this happen to me just till this year 2024. The paint came off like spider webs. It was that bad my wife while my friend watched her wash me down with thinners, then I had to shower the rest off. The job turned out well, but I will not be using Hempel anymore. Has this happened to anybody else?

[@fishinmalarkey9830]

Handy video mate. I'm actually doing a heck load of work on my little boat and was wondering if I have any questions would I be able to fire them at you to see if you can impart some wise advice to a boating novice? Cheers man

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Of course mate, if I don't know the answer I may know someone who does. ;)

[@fishinmalarkey9830]

@@thefishlockerworkshop That's awesome mate, thank you. May I start off saying I have a 17ft fiberglass mòrebass fishing boat.. It's in white and blue livery and I've sanded away at the top layer of white which is above the water line and Carrie's on into the tub. Which paint would be best for re painting it? I was told toplac? Would be best. Thanks bud. 🤘👍

[@gazzwad]

whats living under the boat? is it a rabbit haha 2:38

[@tanglewood777]

can you use a brush to antfoul

[@danegoff7923]

I never knew this was part of the maintenance of a boat, about how long does this prosses take over all?

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Dane Goff - Depends on what the weather is like and how much prep you need to do. You can do it in a day. 2 if you want to take your time and give it a few extra coats. 😉👍🏻🛥

[@theoisaac3564]

👍

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

Theo Isaac - 😊👍🏻🛥

[@kfranksd]

Im not sure if this applies but usually when I mask off areas for paint I won't let it dry before removing the masking tape. Usually I'll remove the tape a bit after I finish painting while it is still wet so you don't get any flaking. It looks like you had no issues but that's a little trick I use. Good video tho!

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Hi Kevin, that is a great tip. I don't like taking the tape off whilst it is still fresh wet as I find I get it everywhere and smudge bits. The paint here was still soft yet past tacky and the tape came away fine. But I do absolutely see your point.

[@kfranksd]

@@thefishlockerworkshop Right on. Don't fix what works! You do have to be really careful taking the tape off when it's semi-wet because it does get everywhere like you mentioned.

[@dodgsr2009]

Are we ever gonna get a full boat review. None available for the 520

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- I will see how I can do it and have a go. :)

[@dodgsr2009]

@@thefishlockerworkshop just a taught. People like to know before they buy a boat what to look out for

[@joedennehy386]

Have you invested in some rod holders yet?

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- I dont need to, as I have explained already. I already have them fitted and use them when it is suitable.

[@twochins79]

I spy a sneaky rabbit!

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Its our semi wild, fully vicious guard dog/rabbit ;)

[@wrmfishing7853]

I am your 4 th comment

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

william m 06 - Congratulations 🥳

[@jerrysims7900]

It's 4:15pm what is your time?

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Right now its 0930.

[@42by10]

Is that a dog, cat, or rabbit that scuttles under the boat at 1:23?

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Semi wild rabbit/guard dog.

[@trampster7306]

Haha! I've just asked John that question before I read the rest of the comments! ;-)

[@philhorton1827]

Coppercoat?

[@thefishlockerworkshop]

- Isn't that a grease?

[@philhorton1827]

@@thefishlockerworkshop I don't think so no, an anti foul that's supposed to last 10 years.

[@philhorton1827]

coppercoat.com/