What Is the Effect of Antifoul Colour Choices on Boats?

When it comes to protecting your vessel, applying the right antifouling paint is essential to preventing marine growth and keeping your hull in good condition.

While the protective features of antifouling products tend to get the most attention, many boat owners overlook a surprising factor: Colour Choice.

At Seacraft Paints, we stock a wide selection of antifouling paints from trusted brands like Altex, Pettit, Carboline, International, and Jotun, many of which are available in a range of colours to suit your vessel and environment.

But does colour really matter? Let’s explore how it can impact performance, visibility, and maintenance.

Performance Considerations

The colour of your antifouling paint can influence your boat’s performance in subtle but practical ways.

Heat Absorption

Dark colours like black and navy blue absorb more heat from the sun. This can slightly increase the water temperature around your hull, which may discourage marine growth in some conditions.

For boats moored in warmer Western Australian waters, especially during the summer months, darker antifouling paints like Seavictor 50 in Black may provide an added layer of protection.

Growth Visibility

Lighter colours, such as white, light blue, or grey, make it easier to spot early signs of growth during regular hull inspections. This can be particularly helpful if your vessel is kept on a trailer or lifted for routine maintenance.

Products like Pettit Vivid offer vibrant, lighter-toned colours that not only look great but make spotting fouling more straightforward.

Hull Speed

While there’s limited scientific data to support significant speed differences, some performance-focused boat owners believe certain antifoul colours, such as red, may result in marginal drag reductions.

For racing vessels, Pettit Vivid Red and other smooth-finish options remain popular for both performance and visibility.

Environmental Factors to Consider

Your local boating environment plays a big role in selecting both the type and colour of antifouling paint.

Saltwater Conditions in WA

In saltwater-rich areas like Fremantle, Garden Island, and the Swan River mouth, marine growth is especially aggressive.

Darker antifoul colours like black, dark blue, or red are commonly used here for maximum durability and reduced visual staining from fouling organisms.

Brackish or Murky Water

If your boat is stored in more turbid or brackish water, such as further up the Swan or Canning Rivers, lighter antifoul colours can make it easier to inspect the hull for slime or damage. ALTEX # 5 PLUS White or Light Blue are popular options in these areas.

Freshwater Environments

For boats moored in freshwater dams or inland rivers, fouling is less intense. This allows you to prioritise lighter antifoul colours for easier inspections and aesthetic preference.

Practical Maintenance Benefits

Your antifoul colour can make a real difference when it comes to reapplication and upkeep.

A colour that contrasts with your hull or waterline makes it easier to see where new coats have been applied and where touch-ups are needed. It also improves visibility when sanding or stripping back before recoating.

Many of our clients choose Pettit Vivid in bright tones not just for looks, but to simplify their maintenance routines.

Popular Antifoul Colours in WA

From our store in South Fremantle, we regularly supply antifouling paints in the following popular colours:

• Black: A strong performer for moored vessels and performance hulls

• White and Light Blue: Favoured for boats that are inspected frequently or dry-stored

• Grey: A versatile, modern option gaining popularity among local boat owners

• Red and Blue: Classic choices for yachts and cruisers with regular maintenance schedules

Top Colour Options from Seacraft Paints’ Range

• Altex No.5 PLUS: Available in classic red and blue for reliable protection on timber, steel, or fibreglass hulls.

• Pettit Vivid: A vibrant, multi-season antifoul with colour choices including red, white, blue, and black.

• Marlin Velox Plus: A durable and high-performance option suitable for propellers for  both sail and powerboats.

More Than Colour: The Right Product Matters Most

While colour is worth considering, it’s not the most important decision. The key to effective antifouling is selecting the right formulation for your boat’s hull material, storage location, and usage patterns.

For example:

• Aluminium hulls should avoid copper-based antifouling. We recommend Pettit Vivid or copper-free options for galvanic safety.

• Steel hulls benefit from tough, heavy-duty coatings like Seavictor 50 or Carboline’s antifouling range.

• Fibreglass vessels can use a broad range of antifoul paints, depending on whether the boat is trailer-stored or moored long-term.

At Seacraft Paints, we help WA boat owners find the right antifouling solutions. Visit us in South Fremantle or contact us for advice tailored to your vessel and local mooring conditions. We’re here to help you protect your investment with the best antifouling products available in Western Australia.