Call for Volunteer Bottoms

KKMI is working with Janssen Pharmaceutica to develop a greener bottom paint, and are inviting Bay Area boaters to help in the effort by volunteering their own bottoms for a one-year study. "The study involves testing Econea," explained Erica Kaplan, "which is believed to be an effective, non-metal, low environmental impact antifouling paint." Not only do participants get the warm-fuzzies for doing their part to help the environment, they also get the paint for free.

As with any kind of study, volunteers must meet certain criteria, and this one’s no exception:
1) Your boat must be in the area for the next year so it can be hauled every six months for inspection.
2) The paint currently only comes in black, so if you need red bottom paint to coordinate with your canvas, this study’s not for you.
3) You absolutely, positively, no matter what must NOT scrub your bottom during the testing period. Remember, they’re testing the effectiveness of this paint so scrubbing would skew the results.
4) Volunteers will pay for the first haul-out and application of the paint. The paint and follow-up haul-outs are free.

If you’re interested in volunteering your power or sailboat, contact Bob Hennessey at KKMI at (510) 307-7907 or by email.