FAQs

Can I apply it myself?

No, Finsulate® film has to be applied by specialist trained installers. To ensure Finsulate®’s warranty on the adhesion of the film, there needs to be proper surface preparation and the correct methodology is essential for a quality application.

What is the price of Finsulate®?

If you send us the dimensions of the boat, the sailing region, and type of boat, we can make a tailor-made quotation including application.

Doesn't Finsulate® film get damaged quickly?

Finsulate® film is less vulnerable to damage than many antifouling paints. If, for example, a collision causes damage, it is easy to repair.

What about microplastics in the water?

If the film is properly applied to the correct surface, the film will not come off the hull. That is why it is important a well trained professional applies Finsulate®.

Does Finsulate® affect the speed?

For yachts with displacing hulls, there is no proven loss of speed when using Finsulate®. For (semi)planing yachts, there could be an affect of 1 or 2 knots on topspeed. For craft where speed is a priority, we recommend using Finsulate® Speedgrade.


Sustainability

Why is the traditional antifouling paint not sustainable?

Traditional antifouling paints contains biocides like copper and zinc. These metals end up in the water, which is harmful to the water. Traditional antifouling paint is applied to the underwater hull every year or every other year. The old layer is no longer effective and much of it disappears into our waterway.

What will be the lifespan of Finsulate®?

Finsulate® guarantees a 5-year operation. In practice, the film lasts longer. The first yachts with Finsulate® have now been sailing for more than 7 years.

What will happen with Finsulate® at the end of the lifespan?

Once the Finsulate® film has been removed, it can now be put in the bin. However, in the future our ambition is to turn old Finsulate® into new Finsulate® film (‘cradle to cradle’).

How do I know when the time has come to replace Finsulate?

After 7 years we offer to arrange an inspection of the underwater hull. At that moment we can advise on condition and the likely time of replacement.

Does Finsulate® contain biocides or other toxic substances?

No, Finsulate® contains no biocides or other toxic substances. Finsulate® is effective against fouling because of the physical structure of the film.

What about microplastics in the water?

If the film is properly applied to the correct surface, the film will not come off the hull. That is why it is important a well trained professional applies Finsulate®.


Finsulate® and sailing characteristics

Does Finsulate® affect the speed?

For yachts with displacing hulls, there is no proven loss of speed when using Finsulate®. For (semi)planing yachts, there could be an affect of 1 or 2 knots on topspeed. For craft where speed is a priority, we recommend using Finsulate® Speedgrade.

Doesn't Finsulate® film get damaged quickly?

Finsulate® film is less vulnerable to damage than many antifouling paints. If, for example, a collision causes damage, it is easy to repair.

Will it still be possible to dry out with Finsulate®?

Yes, we applied several sailingboats with Finsulate® which dry out. If a sharp object will damage the film, it will be easy to repair by yourself.

Do I no longer have any maintenance with Finsulate® film?

There is no more sanding and painting – once Finsulate® film is applied you no longer have these maintenance tasks. However, during or after the end of the sailing season, the underwater hull should be cleaned (how many depends on sailing region, berth and the sailing time). Cleaning is far easier with Finsulate® film as fouling can not bond properly to the vast surface area. This can be done simply in or out the water.

Should I clean the underwater hull with Finsulate®?

It depends on the sailing region, berth and how often you will sail. In general the under waterhull have to be cleaned twice or three times a year for salt water in North Europe (maximum). On the other hand, there are also places where cleaning the underwater is not necessary at all. Please, ask us for advise for your specific region. For boats sailing on (mainly) fresh water, it will be sufficient to clean the boat once a year with a high pressure cleaner (max 200 bar).

What is the best way to clean the underwater hull with Finsulate®?

This can easily be done by a high-pressure cleaner (max 200 bar) or spatula.

How is Finsulate® removed at the end of its lifespan?

At the end of Finsulate®’s useful life, the film can be removed by hot water/steam. Often a wallpaper steamer is used.


Preparation

Can Finsulate® be applied to existing antifouling layer?

No, the old antifouling paint layers will have to be removed to ensure long term adhesion of Finsulate® film.

Does the company Finsulate® also take care of the removal of the old antifouling layers?

No, but we would like to refer you to our partners who can do this. In practice, our partners can provide the preparations plus application within 1 week.

Can Finsulate® film also be applied to wooden boats?

Yes, Finsulate® film can be applied to all surfaces. It is important that the boat is clean and there is no old antifouling paint. In most scenarios it is not necessary to remove the current primer/epoxy layer. If the antifouling layers are removed, we advise to apply 1 fresh layer of epoxy primer. Some wooden ships need direct contact with the water to stay waterproof. With these ships we do an evaluation in advance about the suitability for Finsulate®.

Can Finsulate® also be used on aluminium boats?

Yes, Finsulate® film can be applied to all surfaces. For aluminum vessels, another advantage is that Finsulate® doesn’t contain copper (most of the traditional antifouling paints contains copper what could cause a galvanic effect).

Can Finsulate® also be used on polyester boats?

Yes, Finsulate® film can be applied to all surfaces.

Can Finsulate® also be used on steel ships?

Yes, Finsulate® film can be applied to all surfaces.

Which epoxy should I use in preparation for Finsulate®?

Most epoxy primers are suitable for Finsulate®. If you have any questions about the epoxy, you can contact us.

I have a new boat, what are the preparations?

The preparations on new boats are the same as the preparation ahead of applying antifouling paint, but instead of paint, apply Finsulate® as a quality, long term, environmentally friendly alternative.


Sales process

How to order Finsulate®?

You can send an email to sales@finsulateUSA.com or push the button “price request” on this site. To give a good price indication, we need to know the berth, measurements of the boat and kind of ship (motor or sailboat). In 48 hrs you will receive an offer or we forward the enquiry to our local distibutor (Finsulate UK for customers from United Kingdom).

How long does the application take?

It is depends on the boat. As an indication: 20m2 could be done in c. 1 labour day.

What is the price of Finsulate®?

If you send us the dimensions of the boat, the sailing region and type of boat, we can make a tailor-made quotation including application.

Can my yard also apply Finsulate®?

Finsulate® collobarate with several yards. And we are open to work together with every yard. Please send us an email to discuss the possibilities.

Can Finsulate® be applied on site?

Yes, Finsulate® can also be installed on location.

Do you also deliver abroad?

Yes we can deliver abroad via our in country partner.

Can I apply it myself?

No, Finsulate® can only be applied by certified wrappers. To guarantee 5 years, it is essential to apply Finsulate® in the right way.