The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) took delivery of a new Impact 12-metre RIB in December.
The boat was coated with HullSpeed 3000 after production speed trials were completed and then tested again. Both testing protocols were conducted by Impact manufacturing staff. The application came at the request of FWC in efforts to improve fuel economy, speed and introduce eco-friendly bottom paint into their fleet. FWC and similar environmental enforcement organisations throughout the world are becoming increasingly aware of conservation laws concerning environmentally harmful bottom paints. It is important that these organizations know and utilize eco-friendly alternatives.
HullSpeed 3000 test results demonstrated significant improvements compared to the untreated factory gelcoat finish. The greatest improvement in speed was recorded at 9.1 percent and fuel economy improvement was logged at 5.0 percent. Previous vessels coated have seen similar results with speed improvements reaching 9.5 percent and fuel savings ranging up to 8.5 percent.
HullSpeed technology is very hard and durable while providing excellent speed and performance characteristics. The epoxy/silicone technology is water-based and provides a foul-release surface that is one of the most eco-friendly marine paints available.
A second FWC HullSpeed 3000 application is scheduled for completion in March in the St. Petersburg area.
