Boat Bottom Paint Bottom paints contain pesticides which prevent fouling organisms from growing on the submerged portion of the boat. Fouling is the covering of submerged boat bottom with barnacles, seaweed and other organisms. A clean boat allows the boat to move more quickly and efficiently through the water. Bottom paints are designed to continually release small amounts of pesticides into the water in order to prevent fouling. The release rate of the pesticide depends on the composition of the paint and how and where the boat is used.
Copper is currently the most commonly used pesticide in boat bottom paint.
TBT use is now greatly restricted. Manufacturers of anti-fouling boat bottom paints are also working on several less environmentally damaging alternatives. Check with your marine supply dealer for any new advances . Choose the proper boat bottom paint to suit your specific needs. Cleaning your boat often can also reduce the frequency of painting.