Customer ratings

B-FREE EXPLORE Biocide-Free Fouling Control

3 (out of 4 ratings)
4 Stars
(0)
3 Stars
(0)
2 Stars
(0)
  • Advantages
  • Colour (3)
  • Yield (theoretical) (3)
  • Price/performance ratio (3)
  • Processing (3)
  • Effect (2)
  • Drying time (1)
  • Disadvantages
  • Price/performance ratio (1)
  • Effect (2)
  • Opinions
  • Place of use : Inshore waters (1)
Eva H.
by Eva H. Flag of Germany 3/19/2025 Verified purchase Variant: 41486
-
-
  • Advantages
  • Colour
  • Yield (theoretical)
  • Price/performance ratio
  • Processing
  • Effect
  • Drying time
  • Opinions
  • Place of use : Inshore waters
Bastian R.
by Bastian R. Flag of Germany 5/4/2024 Verified purchase Variant: 41483
It was easy to work with and the service and advice over the phone was great.
  • Advantages
  • Colour
  • Yield (theoretical)
  • Price/performance ratio
  • Processing
  • Effect
Tiberius D.
by Tiberius D. Flag of Germany 8/25/2024 Variant: 41480
Quite a failure
When I was looking for a low-biocide antifouling for the Netherlands, I thought International would probably bring a useful product onto the market.
My boat: Catalina 34 sailing yacht (deep keel)
My sailing area: inland Netherlands and the North Sea coast
I had the coating applied (sanding down the existing antifouling down to the primer (International Gel Shield), then 2 layers of B-Free Tie Coat and 2 layers of B-Free Explore.)
After a month in fresh water, a few bubbles appeared just below the waterline. Later, they began to peel off. This may be an application error, I would like to know in which direction I should look.
After a month in Ostend, the growth began to grow strongly. Some of it could then be removed with a brush, but a lot of it still stuck. Even barnacles! After 2 months and the vacation, I had lost more than 1 knot of speed! I even went diving twice. But a lot of things are really well secured, except for the places where the entire coating is coming off.
My attempts to contact International (via the contact form) only resulted in an automatic email reply saying that they would get in touch with me shortly. Even 2 email inquiries have remained without any response to date (more than 1 month).
Conclusion: very disappointing bad investment!
  • Disadvantages
  • Price/performance ratio
  • Effect
Guido M.
by Guido M. Flag of Germany 8/19/2024 Variant: 41480
Total failure!!!
I switched from International VM 17 Extra to the B-Free system. I was happy to take on the work on this system after receiving advice over the phone, as I was promised no toxic paint and a longer-lasting effect.
After several weekend trips, during which I noticed a reduction in speed, I was going on a summer trip lasting several weeks.
After one mile, I was determined to turn back! The boat was only doing 3 knots at 2500 rpm.
I first dived myself and was shocked to see that not only part of it but the entire underwater area was covered in mussels. 1 cm thick in places.
The vacation and the season are over.
Can INTERNATIONAL actually be held responsible for this?
Disappointment and total failure across the board. Definitely not recommended. It is not effective in any way. International told me over the phone that it could be due to the higher water temperatures.
My boat is in the North Sea!!!!!
  • Advantages
  • Colour
  • Yield (theoretical)
  • Price/performance ratio
  • Processing
  • Disadvantages
  • Effect
E-mail Newsletter

Product news, offers & new guide videos. Stay up to date!

WhatsApp

New: Get news from SVB straight to your phone!