Antifoul - sell by date?

[bonjourmatelot]

According to their spec sheet, International Micron Anti-foul has a 2 year shelf life. We've found 12.5L with a 1999 date impressed into the can, on the boat we've just bought. All unopened tins, stored in a saloon locker.

So, the dilemma: do we throw away what is, here in Hong Kong, £500 (US$600) worth of antifoul or do we put it on the hull? Anyone know the implications of using this stuff so far out of date?

Would appreciate advice here!

Thanks
Lesley and Rene

Interestingly, the previous owner put 3 coats on, and added 3lb of chilli powder to the final coat (41' boat!) he says the barnacles dont like it and he could leave it 3-4 years between anti-fouling. The boat was on a mooring in Hong Kong waters.