Copper free anti-fouling is mandated in at least one state. If you are in a state that doesn't ban it's use, I don't think you should go copper free unless you are a serious environmentalist
Based on the posts I read, the current non-copper paints haven't worked as well as copper based. I expect that will change over time and some may be better as we speak. In general those products are more expensive, sometimes a lot more expensive. I prefer to see a few seasons of information from folks before I change paints.
First of all, buy a good quality paint. To some extent, the old paint may limit your options on new coats so it helps to know what the hull was painted with.
Follow the instructions!
These days and for the last 3 or 4 years, I have been using a water based ablative paint. In my case that is Pettit Hydrocoat. It works very well, no barnacles at all in a season and for the most part will last two seasons. Some spot touchup may be needed depending on wear.
The really nice thing about this paint and other water based paints I assume is that it doesn't smell too bad and it washes off fairly easily as long as it doesn't dry. You can get it off your skin with soap and water. You can clean and reuse rollers and brushes too.
Recoat times are 1 to 3 hours depending on temperature and humidity. Most importantly, the boat does not have to be launched within a specific time window after painting
