Dan Dillon is the founder behind Aquaphobix, a heat-applied, non-ablative marine coating that started in swimming pools and is now being tested on fiberglass boats. In this conversation, we dig into the torch-on application, why copper-based bottom paint is still everywhere, and how certifications like Marine Life Safe and Drinking Water Safe translate from pools to marinas and beyond.
Some of the moments I found most meaningful in this conversation were:
How a pool coating ended up on boats — and why the blowtorch is part of the magic
The honest breakdown of copper paints, “ablative” flakes, and microplastics in our water and fish
Certifications that actually matter (not greenwashing): marine life and drinking-water safe
Real-world cases: SeaWorld exhibits, a 102-year-old public pool, and what marinas care about (hint: sanding revenue)
The ROI angle for anglers: fewer haul-outs, better performance, less mess — and where this could go (buoys to cruise ships)
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Dan’s background (pool contractor → Aquaphobix)
03:45 What Aquaphobix is (pneumatic thermal plastic)
06:20 Torch-on application: epoxy, powder, and bond strength
09:55 Why traditional bottom paint leaches (ablative vs. hard)
13:10 Microplastics, copper, and environmental impacts
16:05 Certifications: Marine Life Safe & Drinking Water Safe
20:00 SeaWorld & “Venetian Pool” case — draining into aquifer
24:35 Greenwashing claims vs. what’s actually in the can
28:40 Marina economics: sanding, haul-outs, fees, and ROI
32:30 Performance, fuel burn, and efficiency tradeoffs
36:15 Big-boat use cases (buoys, cruise ships testing & fines)
40:05 Family-owned company, exclusive rights, patent-pending
43:10 The viral video effect and dealing with comments
46:00 What’s next & how to get in touch
🔗 Visit Dan Dillon / Aquaphobix – https://aquaphobix.com
🔗 Connect with Aquas / Aquaphobix:
Instagram → @aquasofficial
Website → https://aquaphobix.com
📘 Free Resources:
🎁 Saltwater Knot Guide → https://bit.ly/3UnAeIP
🎙️ Tom Rowland Podcast → https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0
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