New water-based ablative bottom paints are available from several companies, and these eco-friendly paints virtually eliminate the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. The harsh chemical smell of earlier bottom paints goes away, making them much safer to apply and providing greatly simplified cleanup after you’re done. Yet they still provide excellent protection against bottom growth.
Pettit Paint recently introduce Hydrocoat, a water-based ablative which can be applied over any other paint and applied in almost any area. The fumes are gone and cleanup is easy; just use soap and water. Hydrocoat comes in three different formulas for different areas. Hydrocoat Eco contains no copper biocide, while Hydrocoat SR and Hydrocoat contain dual biocides, including copper.