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Temporary surface protection remains a constant challenge for shipyards, yacht transporters and maintenance operators. In Lorient, Kerboat Services has launched Spray Protec, a distribution business dedicated to spray-applied technical coatings. The initiative introduces Spray Protec, a technology not yet widely used in the marine sector, to France.
An alternative to tarpaulins for protecting boats in transit
Sea and road transport exposes boats to a wide range of mechanical and climatic stresses. Wind, sea spray, projections and friction can quickly mark hulls and windows.
The Protectapeel solution, distributed by Spray Protec in France and Monaco, is based on a simple principle. A liquid plastic film is sprayed directly onto the surface to be protected. After drying, it forms a flexible film that acts like a second skin.
This process avoids many of the limitations of traditional covers. Tarpaulins need to be tensioned, and can flap in the wind during transport. Thermo-coating requires extensive preparation and cutting to fit the shape of the boat.
With projection, the film directly follows the geometry of the surface, whether it's a hull, glazing or mast.
A spray-applied protective film for nautical surfaces
Spray lamination technology is distinguished by its application method. The product is sprayed on using a special gun, enabling rapid coverage of large surfaces.
The resulting film has a number of technical features that are useful in the marine sector. It forms an airtight barrier and protects against scratches, light impacts, dirt and UV rays. It can also withstand fire and weather for up to 12 months.
Removal is manual. The film peels off in one piece, leaving no residue on gelcoat, painted or glazed surfaces.
This approach adapts to the complex shapes often found on modern boats. Superstructures, windshields, appendages or even hoses can be protected without prior cutting.
A solution designed for shipyards and yacht logistics
For yachting professionals, temporary protection comes into play at several stages in a boat's life cycle. Construction, refit, wintering or transport to a cruising area often require surface protection.
"With Spray Protec, we provide worksites, transporters and owners with technical solutions that respond to operational realities: time savings, safety and durability." explains Sébastien David, head of Kerboat Services.
Yacht transporter Sevenstar Yacht Transport is also seeing the benefits of these solutions for long-distance conveyors.
"Protecting yachts is a major challenge on long-distance transports. Protectapeel products represent a very promising alternative to the limitations of thermo-braiding" says Matthieu Le Bihan, Managing Director of Sevenstar Yacht Transport. In fact, the target sectors go beyond yachting. Temporary protection can also be provided for structures linked to renewable marine energies, which are often exposed to corrosive environments.
Permanent graphene coatings for reduced maintenance
Spray Protec does not limit itself to temporary protection. The company has also become the first French distributor of Seals coatings. This Swiss technology is based on the use of graphene and nanodiamonds in a spray-applied protective layer. Unlike Protectapeel film, this coating is permanent.
The objective is different. The aim is to reduce the adhesion of marine contaminants to surfaces. Salt, organic deposits or traces of pollution adhere less easily, simplifying cleaning operations. These treatments can be applied to different areas of the boat. Hulls, windows, superstructures and sails can all be treated, on both pleasure and professional vessels.
Kerboat Services expands its distribution model
The creation of Spray Protec marks a strategic move for Kerboat Services. The Lorient-based company has been involved in boat cleaning and technical preparation for some ten years. With this new activity, the company moves from the role of service provider to that of specialized distributor. The project is accompanied by the development of a network of agents and a recruitment plan to train dedicated applicators.
Based in Lorient Sailing Valley, the company now has twelve employees and a network of seven agencies, five of which are under brand license. Sales, excluding network activities, total 1.2 million euros. For the nautical sector, these spray-applied protection technologies could find their place in several trades. Shipyards, maritime transport, maintenance and the operation of offshore structures all share the same constraints: preserving surfaces exposed to a salty, mechanical environment.
