Omg! Game changer. We spent 40h removing VC on J/105 Mandate

I received a direct message to some of our marketing about laser bottom paint removal with our level four bottom prep service.

It’s pretty simple for my perspective.

I’ve prepped it.

I’ve removed it.

I’ve breathed it in.

I’ve had it on my eyelashes.

I have friends that have been working with bottom paint and fibreglass for years that have succumb to cancer.

And I knew there had to be a better way for all of us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_I-XOfEqyA

Everyone that’s on the water knows the copper bottom plague that was rushing to get VC 17 on over the last 30 years of my memory.

So many people have done it purely cosmetically; very few of scuffed it to ensure adhesion but professionals know this is basically a trailer paint and quite useless for anti-foul protection.

Regardless, I’m sick of it and found a solution to incinerate anti-foul paint completely with precision accuracy and this is a service that is now available to Boats all over Ontario.

Click Me

After a quick inquiry on Google, I got this AI response.

Interlux VC 17m anti-fouling paint was discontinued in Canada in late 2023 due to regulatory pressure and supply chain issues, with VC Offshore being its primary replacement in Canada. The paint's discontinuation means boats may need a significant process to switch to alternative bottom paints, as VC Offshore is not compatible with the old coating, requiring removal of all old VC 17m and application of barrier coats before applying a new bottom paint. 

Why VC 17m Was Discontinued 

• Regulatory Pressure:

  The primary reason for the discontinuation was due to regulatory pressures stemming from environmental concerns about the paint's composition.

• Material Sourcing Challenges:

  Difficulties in sourcing the necessary materials for its production also contributed to the decision to phase out the product.

Replacement in Canada: VC Offshore

• Direct Replacement:

  AkzoNobel, the manufacturer, introduced VC Offshore as the direct replacement for VC 17m in Canada, designed to meet current environmental standards. 

• Application:

  To transition from VC 17m to VC Offshore, the old coating must be completely removed by sanding with 120-grit sandpaper (though some experts recommend 80-grit for thorough removal), followed by cleaning the hull with Special Thinner 216 before applying VC Offshore. 

Alternatives to VC 17m

• VC Offshore: The most direct replacement, specifically designed to perform well and meet environmental standards in Canada. 

• Bottomkote-CA: An alternative bottom paint available from Interlux. 

• Micron CSC-CA: Another option from Interlux that can be applied over barrier coats. 

Important Considerations 

• Complete Removal is Crucial:

  Applying new paint directly over a sanded VC 17m surface is risky, as the old paint can interfere with the new layer's adhesion, leading to peeling.

• Barrier Coat Application:

  After removing VC 17m, applying Interprotect 2000 or a similar epoxy barrier coat is recommended to provide a solid base for the new anti-fouling paint.

• Marinas and Boatyards:

  Be aware that many marinas and boat yards have strict rules about how bottom paint removal can be done, both to protect the environment and your neighbors' boats from dust.

GET IT DONE THIS FALL