Marine coating is a specialized protective paint or polymer design that gives boats a defense against:
- UV rays
- Biofilm (bacteria and diatoms from green, brown, and red algae, and seaweed that create a film on boats)
- Biofouling from wildlife (barnacles, mussels, oysters, tube worms, sponges, and anemones)
- Saltwater (the worst for corrosion)
- Water absorption
- Extreme weather conditions
Pretty much any natural element that can damage a boat, marine paint protects against. But it’s not just simple protection against the elements; there are so many hidden benefits of using marine coatings. Read on to find out more.
Reduced Maintenance and Labor Costs
You won’t believe how fast hulls can age without the correct level of protection that quality marine paint coating provides. From the harsh saltwater to algae, there are so many factors constantly abrading the hull and surfaces of boats. Without protection, boat owners can expect:
- More cleaning
- More sanding
- More haul-outs
- Almost constant repainting
Marine coating, as we mentioned, protects against so many of the common risks for boats. And fewer haul-outs reduce labor costs, dry-dock fees, travel time, and lost revenue (if it’s a commercial boat) for more regular maintenance.
The cost of investing in marine coating far outweighs the cost of more regular maintenance.
Reduced Drag for Fuel Savings
People will never think of this one first, but it’s one of the best benefits. Light fouling has been proven to increase fuel consumption by 20 to 30%. And fuel is one of the most constant high-cost expenses for boat owners.
A smooth, low-friction coating helps to keep the hull clean and provides:
- Less resistance
- Lower engine load
- Reduced fuel burn
For powerboats, commercial vessels, and long-range cruisers, fuel savings can repay the coating investment faster than you’d think.
Extended Hull and Structural Lifespan
Water intrusion is one of the most expensive issues boats face, but it’s also so common once corrosion and osmosis start to take effect. You’ll often see corrosion and osmosis inside the:
- Fiberglass
- Steel
- Aluminum
And once they do, the repairs are so costly, and even worse, once water starts to leak in. Marine coating is the perfect solution, as it’s a strong barrier that can isolate metals from oxygen and salt damage, as well as seal microscopic pores in fiberglass.
All of that can, as a result, extend the hull and structural lifespan of a boat.
Potentially Higher Resale Value
It’s the same with cars—the quality of the paint will affect their resale value. It’s the first thing that people see. And even if buyers don’t fully understand the quality of the coatings, a well-coated boat shows the owner has taken pride and care, there’s a potentially reduced maintenance risk, and there’s better structural integrity.
Boats with intact barrier systems and clean hull histories also tend to:
- Pass surveys with fewer advisories
- Sell for higher asking prices
- Sell faster with less negotiation pressure
Reducing uncertainty directly affects price.
It’s not just a pretty boat that comes with high-quality marine coating. There are so many hidden economic benefits that far outweigh the cost of the initial investment.
