Interlux Introduces Pacifica Plus: Copper-Free Antifouling Paint Built for Modern Boating

Interlux has launched Pacifica Plus, a copper-free antifouling paint formulated for boat owners seeking effective protection with reduced environmental impact. Pacifica Plus incorporates Econea, a specialized antifouling agent that targets shell-forming organisms, and pairs that active ingredient with Biolux technology to limit slime growth. The product is positioned as a contemporary solution for yachts and small craft in regions where low volatile organic compound (VOC) formulations are required.

Designed to comply with strict VOC regulations, Pacifica Plus uses a controlled biocide-release mechanism that gradually exposes the active ingredient at the hull surface. This controlled release helps manage fouling without relying on traditional copper-based chemistry. The paint is formulated to erode over time rather than build up, which reduces the accumulation of layers and simplifies surface preparation when it’s time to recoat. Because it erodes cleanly, Pacifica Plus can make maintenance cycles easier and reduce the labor involved in sanding and smoothing old coatings prior to repainting.

Pacifica Plus is intended for use on a wide range of underwater substrates, including fiberglass, wood, aluminum and metal underwater surfaces. That versatility makes it a candidate for many types of recreational vessels, from small runabouts to larger cruising boats. Interlux reports that drying times are short, allowing for paint application and launch on the same day in many conditions — a practical advantage for boatyards and owners who need quick turnaround between finishing and getting back on the water.

The paint is offered in several traditional antifouling colors, including blue, black and red, and is formulated to be compatible with most other antifouling paints on the market, easing integration into existing maintenance programs. Pacifica Plus is sold in the United States and is available at retail; the manufacturer’s suggested price is $230 per gallon. For product inquiries, Interlux lists Union, N.J. as its U.S. location and provides a customer phone number: (800) 468-7589. The product information originally appeared in the July 2009 issue of the magazine.

Why consider a copper-free option? As environmental awareness grows in the boating community, some owners and marinas are opting for antifouling systems that limit traditional heavy-metal usage. Copper-free alternatives are intended to reduce copper accumulation in sensitive harbors and minimize potential impacts on non-target marine life. Pacifica Plus’s approach — combining Econea with Biolux slime control and a controlled-release coating system — reflects that shift toward formulations that aim to balance fouling protection with regulatory compliance and environmental considerations.

When choosing any antifouling paint, boat owners should consider the waters they frequent, typical growth pressures in their area, and the required maintenance schedule. Controlled-release, eroding paints like Pacifica Plus can lower the frequency of heavy surface build-up, but proper application and adherence to manufacturer instructions remain essential for optimal performance. Surface preparation, correct application thickness, and following recommended drying times all contribute to the longevity and effectiveness of an antifouling system.

Pacifica Plus represents Interlux’s response to market demand for antifouling technologies that meet contemporary environmental standards while offering practical benefits for boat maintenance. Its compatibility with common substrates and other antifouling products, combined with short drying times and an erosion-based formulation, position it as an option worth considering for owners looking to modernize their antifouling strategy without introducing excessive layer buildup over successive applications.

Product availability: United States only. Manufacturer: Interlux, Union, N.J. Phone: (800) 468-7589.

This article originally appeared in the July 2009 issue.