San Diego boaters find eco-friendly resources at annual Hull Paint Expo

SAN DIEGO – Boaters who are considering making the switch from copper hull paints to more environmentally friendly coatings, received more information on the matter during the Port of San Diego’s Eco-Friendly Hull Paint Expo.

Held on Oct. 18, more than 100 vessel owners attended the port’s fourth annual event held at Nielsen Beaumont Marine on Shelter Island.

Guests had an opportunity to learn about non-copper hull paint options that protect a boat’s hull while also reducing environmental impact. Recreational boaters also had a chance to learn about the grant opportunity for Shelter Island Yacht Basin boaters.

In addition to boatyard representatives, several paint manufacturers were in attendence to demonstrate their products and answer questions. One of the event crowd favorites was a session on hull paint maintenance and tips, led by Marlan Hoffman, Best Management Practices Committee chairman for the California Professional Divers Association, according to the port.

The expo is part of a larger outreach strategy identified in the Port’s Copper Reduction Program to reduce copper loading in San Diego Bay and to address the Shelter Island Yacht Basin Dissolved Copper Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).

Many boaters who participated in the grant program for Shelter Island boats also have expressed satisfaction with their current alternative hull paints.

“The change to a slicker paint has resulted in a net improvement of one-half to three-quarters of a knot in racing speed for my boat,” said Richard Good, a local yacht owner.