Keeping Prop Clean

[dougstinchcum]

Does anyone have a proven formula (other than diving and scraping) for keeping the prop free of barnicales, etc.?????? Any proven chemical application?? I keep the boat in the Chesapeake Bay.

[Russell]

Check this link to a previous discussion on the subject. Various paints will work for a while but the best thing is to use your boat at least twice per week. http://albinowners.net/aog/viewtopic.ph ... ight=stove

[Capt Ron]

Barnicales don't stick to moving objects....use your boat often!

[Mariner]

The prop is the one part of your boat that moves through the water fast enough that it should never accumulate barnacles. But yeah, you have to use it to prevent them.

If, for some reason, you can't use your boat regularly, they do make special clear bottom paint that is designed or underwater metal like props and trim tabs. It won't induce corrosion and will have a marginal impact on growth. But it still requires occasional use to prevent buildup. Also, it wears off much faster than your bottom paint, so after about 6-9 months, it doesn't do much good anymore.

[RWhite]

Does anyone have a proven formula (other than diving and scraping) for keeping the prop free of barnicales, etc.?????? Any proven chemical application?? I keep the boat in the Chesapeake Bay.

I used a new product called Prop Speed. It a two part application, an etching Primer base, then a top coat of the clear coat.
Worked great, when boat was hauled in November, it was perfectly clean. Had some ware and will require another coat this season.
Expensive at $200 for 250 ML, one application, but works great, even gained a couple of knots in speed.

[bobhhprop]

For the expence Prop Speed works well. Apply to prop, shaft, rudder and strut. Heard of gear going several years without growth

[Yearwood]

Doug

Now there are at least two 28 TE's named Osprey on the Bay.

Keeping running gear clean in my experience is accomplished by:
- frequent use (it's true that barnacles will not adhere to props when in use)
- docking in polluted waters (e.g. Houston Ship Channel), or
- dockage on a lift.

I currently use a lift. Until about five years ago I tried various coatings and was unsuccessful. Have used the Houston ship channel for larger units and that was pretty good. at the time Perhaps the newer coatings are more helpful.

Regards

Don