Bulk Purchase again anyone? Antifoul?

[mm5aho]

I starting to think to winter maintenance, even though I haven't quite done with sailing for the year.

I remember Marisca's purchase of anchor chain that some shared in, and was wondering about a bulk purchase of antifouling paint.
It seems to me that the packaging and retailing involved in 2litre or sometimes 2.5 litre cans must about double the price, and wonder if there's an opportunity to buy a bulk lot of say a 205 litre drum? Even those 25 litre drums might be significantly lower cost?

I'll do some enquiring. I have no idea what type of saving might be possible, but who is interested?

I've often managed in other years to find something in the region of £15/litre, but I don't see that happening this year, and suspect that £20-25/litre might be more the order of the day/year.

I wonder if its not worth the hassle if the price is not about 60% retail or lower, but what do you think?

[marisca]

This year I used Gaelforce own brand and had to scrub weed off in July - much worse than with Hempels or International £90/2.5litre stuff. I had resigned myself to the expensive stuff this winter. I am a little loathe to buy on price again but could be persuaded.

[cpedw]

I'm interested though I can imagine the logistics might be challenging - who's going to move a 200 l open drum around Scotland dispensing 5 l doses?

I was similarly unsure how chain distribution could work, but it did! My 50 m has been most satisfactory.

Derek

[mm5aho]

I'm not yet ever sure that its in 200l drums, probably more likely 25l.
But its possible to buy empty new paint cans quite cheaply.

I'm not thinking to buy rubbish stuff, not solely on price, but to get good material at a reasonable price.

last year I used Akzo Nobels product called Nautical. Did a quite reasonable job, though I did notice a beard just under water level, only about 50mm thick.

[BlowingOldBoots]

Although I wont be anti fouling this year, I would still participate in a bulk buy.

[DaveS]

I could be tempted.

[ash]

I could be interested too. A 3L can usually does me.

Will be ever agree on a colour?

Ash

Navy Blue International Cruiser Uno has been my poison of choice lately.

[SteveN]

I'd be interested too. Happy to take 10 litres or so, possibly more as I find it keeps for years even opened.
Blue preferred..

[BlowingOldBoots]

Although any colour is fine by me, I would go for red if there is a choice.

[marisca]

I have got into the way of two colours of blue mixe disproportionately into two lots so I can see where the second coat goes, if you see what I mean. Well done, Geoff, for volunteering.

[mm5aho]

Still investigating, but looks promising.

Of these paint types, which would you choose?
Micron Extra 2
Micron Extra
Micron 77
Trilux 77

see http://www.yachtpaint.com/gbr/diy/produ ... earch.aspx for more info

[marisca]

Micron WA is for "professional" use only and claims 2 season durability. Maybe available in sensible quantity for bulk buy?

[mm5aho]

I made a typo in above, should read Trilux 33.

[mm5aho]

Here's the first offering, from Flag. (I'm waiting on an Akzo Nobel offer too, but we can't mix and match, all one or all the other)

Flag Cruising, 20 litre cans £131.04 each min Qty 10x20 litre
Flag Performance Extra 5 litre £73.22 each min 40
Flag Cruising 2.5 litre £20.68 min 20
Flag Performance Extra 2.5 litre £36.78 min 20

Any thoughts?
Which of the two types better suits? How much would you take?
Or would you prefer the other types mentioned earlier?

Given the keeping quality unopened, whichever we go for, I'd buy a couple years worth.
MT new cans are available on eBay £2-4 each, for example http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Empty-Lever- ... CL-dznAxQ

Colours available: Dark Blue, Light Blue, Red, Black and Steel White (but we have to all opt for same colour, this is a batch purchase)

Some feedback please, those interested.

[SteveN]

Excellent start, thanks.
So in £/L with min quantity that works out as:

Cruising in 20L cans = £6.55/L min 200L
Cruising in 2.5L cans = £8.27/L min 50L

P-Extra in 5L cans = £14.64/L min 200L
P-Extra in 2.5L cans = £14.71/L min 50L

Personally I'd forget trying to decant the 20L cans for that saving which would be less anyway once we'd bought empty cans and spilt some of the paint Then even the 5L cans don't offer much saving over 2.5L ones.

So my vote would be for either type (although Cruising preferred) in 2.5L cans of which I'd take 4, or more if it helps. Either blue preferred.