Choosing the Right Hempel Antifoul
If you’re preparing your boat for the season, choosing the right antifoul paint is essential. At Morgan Marine Chandlery, we stock a full range of Hempel antifoul paints, including:
✔ Hempel Classic
✔ Hempel Broads
✔ Hempel Tiger Xtra
✔ Hempel Cruising Performer
✔ Hempel Hard Racing
But with so many options, which Hempel antifoul should you choose?
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the differences, so you can pick the perfect paint for your boat type, usage, and cruising grounds.
What Is Antifouling and Why Does It Matter?
Antifoul paint is your boat’s best defence against barnacles, weed, and slime building up below the waterline. The right antifoul improves fuel efficiency, maintains performance, and protects your hull. But not all antifoul is the same - and choosing the wrong type can lead to wasted money or poor results.
The Hempel Antifoul Range Explained
Each Hempel antifoul is designed for different types of water, usage, and performance needs. Here’s a breakdown of the range we stock:

Hempel Classic Antifoul
Best for: General use in UK coastal waters
Type: Eroding antifoul
Key benefits:
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Reliable protection for up to one season
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Suitable for most boats up to 25 knots
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Easy to apply and overcoat
- Not suitable for aluminium or light-alloy metals
Ideal for weekend sailors and cruisers looking for a budget-friendly, dependable solution.
Colours: Black, Souvenirs Blue, True Blue, Red/Brown
Hempel Broads Antifoul
Best for: Inland and freshwater boating
Type: Soft antifoul
Key benefits:
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Suitable for cruising speeds
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Low environmental impact
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Protects against freshwater weed and slime
- Not suitable for aluminium or light-alloy metals
Perfect for narrowboats, river cruisers, and any vessel operating in fresh, salt and brackish waters.
Colours: Black, True Blue, Green, Red/Brown
Hempel Tiger Xtra Antifoul
Best for: Coastal and estuary waters with moderate to high fouling
Type: Self-polishing antifoul
Key benefits:
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Excellent all-rounder
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Works well even if you leave the boat stationary for a while
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Long-lasting performance
- Aluminium substrates must be suitably primed.
Great choice for cruisers who want effective antifouling with a smoother finish and reduced drag.
Colours: White, Grey, Souvenirs Blue, True Blue, Dark Blue, Black, Green, Red
Hempel Cruising Performer Antifoul
Best for: Cruisers looking for economical protection in moderate fouling areas
Type: Advanced self-polishing
Key benefits:
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Good colour retention
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Smooth, consistent film
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Designed for speed up to 25 knots
- Not suitable for aluminium
Ideal for owners who want strong protection without paying for top-tier racing specs.
Colours: Souvenirs Blue, True Blue, Black, Red
Hempel Hard Racing Antifoul
Best for: Fast powerboats and racing yachts
Type: Hard antifoul
Key benefits:
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Durable finish for high-speed boats
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Can be burnished for a super-smooth hull
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Suitable for dry sailing or trailering
Recommended for performance boats, RIBs, and any vessel that needs speed and control.
Colours: True Blue, Dark Blue, Black, Red
Not Sure Which One to Pick?
Still unsure which Hempel antifoul is right for your boat? Our team is here to help. We’ve been helping UK boaters make the right choices for decades.
Call us, pop into the chandlery, or visit our online chandlery to shop the full range of Hempel antifouling paint with fast UK delivery.
Shop Now – Protect Your Hull the Right Way
Don’t wait until fouling takes hold. Order your Hempel antifoul paint today and keep your boat protected all season long.
Morgan Marine Chandlery – Trusted by boaters across the UK.