Performance Profile: Aquatic Weed Control Workboat

Aqua-Ag contracts to Regional and City Council authorities in New Zealand for the surveying and spraying of fresh water lake and river weeds that grow on recreational areas or near hydro dams. The airboats, each powered by a 160 H.P. aircraft engine and aircraft propeller, travel over water-borne vegetation and mudbanks. Conventional paint systems tolerate this abrasive environment, but the company wanted an abrasion and water-resistant coating for the working areas of the airboat.

Solution:

Aqua-Ag chose to recoat their 17 ft. 6 in. (5.33 meter) workboat hull with CeRam-Kote 54® based on previous performance histories of its abrasion resistance in immersion service. The interior of the airboat was also coated with CeRam-Kote 54® to protect against abrasion and corrosion. CeRam-Kote 54®'s low water permeability level provides a superior anti-corrosive barrier for the entire workboat.

The painting contractor said that CeRam-Kote 54® was easy to apply and had only minimal overspray. The entire application of CeRam-Kote 54® cost less than conventional applications. The applicator has now recommended and used CeRam-Kote 54® for other marine applications. Aqua-Ag intends to use CeRam-Kote 54® on its second airboat.