by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: You'll Probably Need One With a Biocide
Most antifouling paints contain biocides that kill any plant or animal life that tries to hitch a ride. For boats that are used often or docked in the water, an antifouling paint with a powerful biocide is a must. But be careful: never apply paint with a copper-based biocide directly to an aluminum hull, because the two metals will chemically interact and cause damage. Use only aluminum-safe paints.
On the Other: Harsh Biocides Aren't Always Necessary
An antifouling paint with a strong biocide isn't necessary if a boat is used in lakes that contain very little marine life, or if it stays in dry-dock or on a trailer most of the time. In that case, a low-copper or thin-film antifouling paint will be sufficient.
Bottom Line
Freshwater antifouling paint containing a strong biocide is mandatory if a boat is used often or docked in the water. For boats that are dry-docked or rarely used, or used only in lakes with a low fouling probability, a low-copper, high-performance paint may be more desirable.
Source:
AskBoat.com: Selecting and Applying Antifouling Paint
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