Since launching our own brand of Gael Force Antifouling over five seasons ago, we continue to receive excellent feedback from a range of boat owners across the UK. It is a copper based, economical (cruising grade) self-eroding antifouling with a proven performance within a wide variety of UK conditions and many European locations.
The antifouling is self-priming when topping up existing (similar copper based) antifoulings; otherwise Gael Force Multi-Purpose Metallic Primer is required before application. We have found it to be most suitable for general sailing and for fresh water.
It is best known for creating less ‘build-up’ than many traditional antifoulings – a revelation to some given the value of this product. It is best suited to GRP, Wood, Steel and Ferro-Cement as well as use on drying moorings. It is not suitable for aluminium or galvanised surfaces.
Find out what our customers have been saying about our antifouling over the years.
Sandy G (14/01/2015):
Hauled the boat out after seven months on a swing mooring and was very impressed with the results of this antifouling – just a thin layer of slime, otherwise clean as a whistle. A quick blast with the jet hose and she’s ready for winter storage. I shall be using this again.
Peter S (21/08/2015):
It has done a very good job this season. No seagrass or other fouling. I cannot see any difference in performance between Gael Force Antifouling and the far more expensive, highly promoted brands.
Web Review (07/03/2018):
Gael Force own brand antifouling did a good job last year and have bought another tin for this year. Had been using far more expensive brand which was not much use, bottom was always bad after 7 months. This paint did much better, less sludge/weed/barnacles and the bottom was a lot easier to clean. So very happy with this product.
Mr Fulton (21/07/2018):
I just wanted to give some positive feedback about your antifouling – this is after 16 months afloat. The barnacles have always been a problem regardless of the antifouling used and I know other boats on the same moorings have the same problem… They really did just fall off. I didn’t have to scrape a single barnacle off they all came away with the pressure washer.
Alongside this fantastic feedback from Mr Fulton, he supplied some great visuals of the effectiveness of our antifouling when the boat first came out of the water and after it had been washed.
He even showed us how the boat looked once the new antifouling had been applied. Isn’t she a beauty?
Graham (14/12/2018):
I used this three years ago on my Broom 35 European. I use the boat on the Thames, hence fresh water and low hull speeds. I had the boat lifted this year and it was clear that this product had produced good anti foul protection. So I have bought it again.
How to apply it:
Stir well before use.
Apply by roller, brush, or spray.
Ensure surfaces are clean, dry and free from salt.
Apply 2 coats per season with extra around areas of turbulence such as rubber, keel, waterline, and leading edge allowing from 4 to 16 hours between coats dependent on temperature.
Gael Force Antifouling is available at £39.99 for a 2.5-litre tin. Grab yours here.
Special Offer: When you buy one or more tins, you’ll get a roll of long-life masking tape worth £4.99 FREE!
With 4 weeks left until Christmas, you’ll be joining the camp of one of two types of people. Either you have all of your Christmas shopping completed and have done since at least mid-October.
Or, you’ve barely even thought about Christmas and reading how little time is left until Christmas Day has sent you into a panic. (There’s also the Christmas Eve shopper but we won’t count them).
That’s where we come in.
We’ve created a range of Christmas shops to provide you with inspiration but we’ve also gathered together our top 10 favourite gifts to give to your loved ones this Christmas. Check them out below!
Limit Watchmakers have a knack for producing superb designs with great features for great value and this watch is no exception!
The Pro XR watch has rugged marine styling in navy blue with features such as a stopwatch, countdown timer, pacer, day/date, alarms and night-time illumination!
It’s also waterproof to 100m and boasts a two-year guarantee. Even better, it comes gift-boxed, so you don’t need to worry about presentation this Christmas!
Another great Limit watch we have available is the Digital Countdown Watch in red/black for the same price.
Our own brand waterproof binoculars are superb value for money. These nitrogen-filled binoculars have long relief and are manufactured with a robust rubber armour body. They come with a carry-case and strap and offer a range of 367ft (132m) at 1000 yards.
The focus-free aspect means they use your eye’s natural ability to focus, rather than relying on manual adjustment and focusing mechanisms.
Our two pairs for £70 deal offers you an even better saving than buying one on its own so you can either get two gifts for less or you can treat yourself while you’re shopping for others!
Everyone loves a good gag gift so why not combine something funny and perhaps a little silly with something useful?!
Whether it’s for a boating-themed party, a gift for those hard-to-buy-for ‘Yachties’, or simply keeping track of which drink is whose, this tankard is sure to make the recipient, and everyone else, smile!
Please be aware that it isn’t suitable for microwave or dishwasher. Size: 1 pint.
The Garmin STRIKER Plus 4cv fishfinder is the perfect gift for the fisherman in your life. The built-in GPS feature (with CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVu scanning sonar) lets them mark and navigate to waypoints and shows the boat’s speed.
The Quickdraw Contours mapping software creates HD fishing maps of the places they’ve been, storing up to 2 million acres of content with 1-foot contours.
This fishfinder makes fishing a breeze and it’s built to work in any environment. The bright 4.3-inch display and intuitive user interface make it simple to navigate so they are ready for anything on the water.
From the late 1600s onwards, hammocks (derived from the Spanish word ‘hamaca’) were widely used on ships with sailors having to share a double one.
Thankfully, you won’t have to share this one with anyone else. This frameless mini-hammock is woven from tough nylon and rolls up into a fist-sized ball that can slip easily into your pocket.
It is versatile in its use as you can take it out on the boat with you or when you go camping. It is suitable for people up to 6 ft 3 inches tall.
The ‘Joar’ sweater is the latest to be added to our range of Holebrook knitwear. Holebrook is known for producing high-quality sweaters which is why we’re sure your loved ones would appreciate one as a gift.
This black t-neck sweater is 100% cotton and structure knitted with brown Alcantara patches over the elbows and shoulders making it fashionable, comfortable, and functional.
This windproof sweater is perfect for keeping the chill away, regardless of the season, while still remaining light in warmer weather.
Cushion, pillow, toy or ornament, it’s entirely up to you! This unusual fabric fish is highly realistic and a great quirky gift to someone.
It’s printed on both sides and is firmly stuffed to give it an authentic shape and appearance. The cushion is made from strong hardwearing polyester with a shiny gloss finish and is 33 inches long.
It’s also CE tested for toy safety (ages 3 upwards) so you don’t have to worry about that.
9. Standard Horizon HX210 Handheld Radio – RRP £134.95 NOW £118.95 (Save 12%)
The HX210 Marine Handheld Radio is a handy compact transceiver with a high capacity Lithium-Ion battery and a buoyant case. It is waterproof to 1 metre for 30 minutes and is designed to float face up if it’s dropped overboard. It also has a 3-year warranty so overall, it’s the perfect gift for that clumsy person in your life!
Despite its compact size, it boasts one of the largest screens in its class with a bright (yet dimmable option) backlit LCD screen and easy to operate menu system. The water-activated strobe light on the cover makes it easy for the radio, or the person using it, to be found at night.
It’s the perfect time to upgrade your loved one’s old radio and with all USA, International and Canadian channels available, it’ll suit you wherever you are in the world.
Still struggling for what to get your loved ones for Christmas?
If you’re not sure what they need, why not give them one of our gift vouchers so they can treat themselves at a later point?
Vouchers are redeemable over the phone or in-store at our Inverness, Glasgow, and Plymouth branches. They’re also valid for 1 year so there’s plenty of time to use them.
Visit our Christmas shops for more inspiration! We’ve made Christmas easy this year by setting up shops by budget, by ‘who it’s for’ and everything else in between. Happy shopping!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2017 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. The clocks will soon be going back again, lulling us into a false sense of security with our ‘extra hour’ in bed… It must be that time of year again.
Time to lay up your boat.
But what is “Laying Up”?
Laying up or “winterisation” is the process of preparing your boat to withstand the winter weather. This is an important part of your boat maintenance in order to prevent damage and ensure a smooth, problem-free, and worry-free return to sailing come spring-time.
So, where should you start?
Here at Gael Force, we have a wide range of products for all your boating winterisation requirements but it can be time-consuming to find all the right products for this process.
To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for laying up your boat this year:
The “Moisture Mate” absorber is a simple and safe way to help reduce moisture in the air on your boat. If moisture is left unattended, it can lead to serious problems such as condensation, damp and mildew. This is also a much cheaper alternative to buying a dehumidifier and most effective when placed in the harder to reach places and little nooks and crannies.
This bilge wash is an eco-friendly way to clean out the bilges. The polymer powder-filled sachets are water-soluble so they can be pre-dissolved in water or simply added straight to disperse oil and disinfect the bilge.
Everything about it is biodegradable so using this product will reduce the need for the usual plastic containers, helping us do our bit for the environment while making this job easier too.
This product is really handy and versatile as you can also use it to clean the decks, superstructure and hulls. And while you’re doing this, you should also test out of the bilge pumps to ensure they are working as they should!
For the last decade, boat owners have been raving to us about this heater!
The minicat Catalytic Heater works off butane or propane gas and comes complete with safety thermocouple. The safety factor is the catalytic element which allows the gas to burn away without a flame at a relatively low temperature, therefore avoiding any possibility of an accidental fire.
It is CE approved and complete with FFD (Flame Failure Device) but you should always maintain permanent ventilation when the heater is being used. Install it free-standing or wall-mounted to keep your cabin warm.
This handy little product is specially formulated to get rid of dirt, grease, and stains from both natural and synthetic fabrics, including sails, boat covers and bimini tops.
It is easily applied once diluted and the solution does not weaken fabric or thread. It’s the perfect product for ensuring your sail and other fabric on your boat are spotless after a busy season.
You can also follow this up by applying Starbrite’s Waterproofing Treatment to make material watertight and resistant to future soiling, giving you less work to do in the future.
Fenders are important for taking the hit in bad weather so your boat doesn’t have to because they absorb the kinetic energy of your boat berthing against a jetty and prevent damage to vessels and berthing structures.
This is especially relevant with the stormy conditions we’ve been hit with recently and will stand you in good stead while your boat is unattended over the next 6 months for any other storms forecast.
These heavy-duty fenders come in a range of sizes to suit your vessel and have high abrasive resistance and energy absorption. They’re also tested in temperatures ranging from -30 degrees to +60 degrees Celsius so you know they’ll withstand all weathers.
Starbrite’s anti-freeze is the perfect solution to provide cold weather and corrosion protection for your water systems and engines, preventing them from freezing up while in storage.
It is safe and effective to use on aluminium, copper, brass, and all types of plastic without compromising rubber, seals, or hose materials. It is an incredibly versatile and useful product!
This anti-freeze provides burst protection to -46 degrees Celsius and freeze protection ranging from -11 degrees to -9 degrees Celsius. And even better, it’s ready to use immediately – no dilution required!
Be careful not to let any gradual gaps or flaking old sealant to fester over the winter period – some might say it’s cheaper to deal with the problem now rather than let it deteriorate.
You’re in luck though! CT1 Sealant is a unique all-purpose adhesive that can be used in most applications without the need for any additional fixings. It can successfully bond metal, glass, wood, polystyrene, mirrors, and almost any material, making it a must-have for this time of year for any boat maintenance needs.
It is resistant to chemicals, UV, and fungal growth while maintaining environmental compliance. It can be painted, does not shrink and is odourless. Most importantly, it works in wet or dry conditions.
Don’t leave your outboard open to theft over extended unattended periods of time! Made in the UK and from high grade 316 stainless steel, this bolt lock is one of the best in the marine market.
It is built to resist theft as the smart cone shape design makes it difficult for offenders to strike hard and awkward to grip with a huge wrench. This is what you want from a lock when ensuring your expensive outboard is safe over the winter. Suitable for use with most Suzuki, Honda, and Tohatsu engines.
Also known as “rubber snubbers”, this mooring compensator is designed for use on small boats and can be used with up to 15mm rope. Rubber snubbers reduce boat movement at a mooring or on a marina berth.
It is sturdy, constructed from natural rubber, and resilient to sea-water, sunlight, and weather, meaning it’ll take the strain in bad weather conditions and you won’t have to worry about it when it’s docked for the winter, just like your fenders.
10. Hylite Slimline Tube Heater with Thermostat – from £26.95
Hylite’s Tube Heater is a great addition to your boat to ensure good air circulation in enclosed spaces and assists with preventing condensation and dampness. This choice is low power at 240v and slimline with an energy saving thermostat which can be left on the boat.
It can be fitted using the brackets provided, either by mounting them on the wall or on the floor. It is fitted with a UK plug and IP44 rated for water resistance. Available in 3 sizes: 0.5m, 1.0m and 1.5m with a 1.5-metre long cable.
Depending on when you prefer to kit out your boat, this might just be the perfect time to replace your toilet. The ‘Twist n Lock’ toilet from Jabsco is our best-selling toilet so it won’t leave you wanting for quality.
The white vitreous china bowl and enamelled wooden seat and cover lend themselves to the twist n lock function which is an action handle to seal down the toilet seat and protect against symphonic flooding and waste backflow.
It has also been designed for easy left or right-handed installation and with easy access for maintenance. So, if it’s time for you to upgrade, this is the toilet you want!
Did you know that Gael Force has 3 stores across the UK (with sites in a further 3 locations)?
Our Marine Megastore in Inverness (South Kessock) is one of our biggest sites. Here we stock products from many areas of interests, including leisure marine, commercial fishing, and commercial marine.
We also have a large warehouse adjacent to the store, with 400,000 cubic feet of storage, and between the two, this Summer, we’re filled to the brim with stock and look forward to helping you find what you need!
In addition to Inverness, we have our Marine Centre in Glasgow (Hillington Industrial Estate) which stocks a smaller range of commercial marine and leisure marine products while our Plymouth Marine Centre (Sutton Harbour) focuses largely on products for commercial fishing.
Watch this short snapshot of our Inverness Marine Megastore and pop in to see what’s in store for yourself. Take the chance to get up close and personal with our range of kayaks, dinghies, creel, engines, boat maintenance products, clothing and more!
Inverness Megastore Opening Times:
Mon-Fri: 8am – 5.30pm
Sat: 9am – 5pm.
Sun: Closed.
Glasgow & Plymouth Opening Times:
Mon-Fri: 8.30am – 5pm.
Sat & Sun: Closed.
Get our addresses and contact numbers through our Store Locator.
At the end of last year, the Maritime and Coastal Agency (MCA) updated their documentation for ensuring fishing vessel compliance with international and UK safety requirements and correct certificates for vessels to operate in territorial waters.
Some of the main changes are:
Liferafts are now required on open vessels 7m (L) – 15m (LOA) and decked vessels 7-10m (L) (The type of liferaft required depends on the distance from a safe haven based on operating miles).
Emergency drills are mandatory.
Radar reflectors must be fitted to all vessels.
Bilge Alarms should be added to open vessels 7m (L) – 15m (LOA).
Certificates must be issued for Small Fishing Vessels.
EPIRBs with built-in GPS receiver are required for all vessels over 10m (L).
Vessels under 10m can have PLBs for each crew member oran EPIRB.
Carbon Monoxide Monitors should be fitted if the vessel has an enclosed cooking/heating space.
If you have previously registered your vessel, you will not have to meet the new liferaft and EPIRB/PLB requirements right away but you do have to meet them by the end of October 2019. Any vessels newly registering need to comply immediately.
While not mandatory, the Code also strongly recommends that all fishermen wear Personal Flotation Devices.
The products required on board are much the same across the different sizes of vessels (under 7m, 7-12m, 12-15m) however, the larger the vessel, the higher the quantity of the products you will need.
What you need to do now:
The process of ensuring your vessel complies can be time-consuming so to make things easier, Gael Force has pulled together a list of products that are suitable for Open and Decked vessels of various sizes so that our customers can stock up and meet these requirements for inspection.
We’ve also included a guidance document/checklist for each vessel for quantities required for each product which can be found on the individual vessel pages.
These lists are intended as a guide. You should always check your specific requirements directly with the MCA.
Their updated documentation can be read here which includes the full list of changes.
Although Black Friday isn’t native to the UK, given that Brits don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s still one of the biggest shopping days of the year. This year, it falls on Friday 24th November and is generally regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.
Of course, Gael Force couldn’t resist getting involved with offering discounted chandlery products for you to benefit from so let’s take a look at some of the best Black Friday deals we have to offer this year.
This list is by no means exhaustive so make sure you visit our Black Friday shop (link at the bottom) so that you don’t miss out on our other great deals on sailing clothing, marine electronics, and much more!
1. Holebrook Frank Jacket – RRP £149 NOW £109.95 (Save 26%)
This full-zip windproof sweater is perfect for keeping the chill away in any season. The subtle red contrast stitch on the collar, flat knitted arms and pattern knitted front make this piece fashionable, comfortable, and functional. It comes in navy or light grey and is unisex so it can be worn by men and women of all ages! Don’t forget to opt for a size up from your normal size to ensure the best fit. You can’t go wrong with Holebrook and its high-quality knitwear. Don’t just take our word for it though, have a look at what our customers say and browse more Holebrook Windproof jumpers.
2. Icom IC-M323G Compact Fixed VHF/DSC Radio – RRP £254.99 NOW £199.95 (Save 22%)
The IC-M323G is almost identical to Icom’s best-selling IC-M323 but with the added benefit of an integral GPS receiver. This useful addition allows current position and time to be used for DSC calls with the option of an internal or external GPS data source. The radio menu is easy to navigate and the directional keypad helps you perform various operations without any issues. The built-in DSC watch functions include distress, individual, group, all ships, urgency, safety, DSC test calls, and more. It can even withstand submersion in up to 1m depth of water for 30 minutes, though we wouldn’t recommend you test it out!
Gill’s OS1 Offshore Jacket doesn’t compromise on protection for sailing in the toughest ocean conditions so it’s an easy choice to make. This jacket is durable, waterproof, light, and breathable, using a new shell fabric which has been designed to withstand open ocean environments. Its high, wrap-around face guard, hand-warmer pockets and hood offer maximum comfort and protection. The exterior material is 100% nylon, while the interior fleece is 100% polyester. In addition to this, there is a handy D-ring attachment point for marine tools or a kill-cord leash. Choose from graphite (men’s) or red (women’s). This jacket won’t be around for much longer so take advantage while stocks last!
The women’s version is also available on the website with 31% off, along with the matching Offshore Sailing Trousers for men and women which are 28% off.
This Boat Guard Speed Detailer and Protectant uses high-tech polymers that can bond to fibreglass, polished metal, plastics, rubber, and painted surfaces. This spray gently removes dirt and grime while adding shine, enhancing the colour and providing a barrier against UV damage. The bonus of using this product is that you can extend the time between having your boat waxed or polished. To use, simply spray onto the appropriate surface and clean with a cloth before lightly buffing the area.
What more could you want this winter or even all-year round with this pair of All Season Gloves? Available in black or black and purple, these gloves are soft, supple and durable with a goatskin leather palm for comfort, control and a natural feel. They’re 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable – the perfect addition to your gear this winter season. The soft touch Velcro closure allows for a secure fit and the pull on tab means no struggling to put them on. And to make things even easier, they’re touch screen compatible (on the thumb and index finger) meaning you won’t have to brave the cold to use your phone.
The women’s pair is also available on the website at 31% off too.
The Dragonfly 5 Pro makes it easy to identify fish and underwater objects with its photo-like sonar images. The use of wide spectrum DownVision CHIRP technology allows for more sonar signals to be transmitted into the water across a range of sonar frequencies, giving you more detail, unmatched image clarity and resolution, and the ability to target more fish. Its all-weather 5″ LCD display has high-definition colour and is optically bonded so it’s guaranteed to never fog up. The European C-Map Essentials Cartography is included with the unit (along with the CPT-DVS Transducer) but it is also compatible with Navionics and LightHouse charts. It even comes with built-in Wi-Fi to stream sonar data straight to your smartphone or tablet via the Wi-Fish app.
7. Trem Full Engine Cover – RRP £24.99. NOW from £15.99 (Save 36%)
Trem’s engine covers are made from extra strong polyester which is UV resistant making them great value for money. They come in three different sizes – small (140cm x 125cm), medium (160cm x 150cm), and large (180cm x 145cm) – to suit your outboard engine. Make sure you check the measurements of your outboard to find out which size is best for you. The covers are available in silver grey.
Check out the rest of our deals in our Black Friday shop. We’ve split them up across sailing clothing, marine electronics, boat maintenance and all categories to make it easier for you to browse. You’ll be spoiled for choice!
Offers end on Cyber Monday (27th November) so don’t miss out!
