Our props are off and will go to Hale propeller up by Old Saybrook. Based on what I have read about Propspeed and need for perfect application and maintenance over time. I will also ask Hale specific to the prop when I drop them off next week.
I am looking for the best option for antifoul for the rudder, shaft struts and propeller. Many in our area use the Petit spray on antifoul that I usually see in gray color. I have also read that Velox is a good product for metal surfaces but am not sure if it is used much in our area of LI Sound. I like the fact that the Velox comes in gray or black.
Any advice or links to previous threads are appreciated.
I would simply say that Prop Speed is not for you. Anything but. Petit or Velox or any of the products other paint companies have. While your prep and painting may be adequate for your bottom painting and your needs, it would not be for PropSpeed.
Do you haul annually and intend to paint annually? Is that why you chose ablative?
We use PropSpeed and have always been very happy with it, but professionally applied by a certified yard.
We pull annually in the winter due to conditions in NE and we do not use the boat then.
Thank you for the advice. I will prep the metallic parts well and try one of these options. I agree with your comments on the Propspeed, not something I want to try myself as someone new to all this.
My goal each year is to improve the situation so each annual effort underneath is less of a major issue and more of an ongoing upkeep.
I have learned from many threads here for whatever you are undertaking, the important thing is usually in the prep for whatever you will apply.
But for sure the boat will see new zincs and paint where needed each year.
Thanks and regards
The Greenline dealer in southern France who is storing and servicing my boat for the winter strongly recommended Prop Speed (for prop only) to me last October at haul-out. I'd never heard of it before. It did seem sort of pricey, but I told him to go ahead with it. I had no idea about all the decision points and potential complications I just read about in this thread. I don't know whether his shop applied it (I don't find them mentioned on Prop Speed's website) or if it was one of a couple of specialists in the same port that did the work for them (these specialists are listed on Prop Speed's website). So, when I made the decision, I had no idea I was taking such a gamble. Ignorance was bliss -- at least in October. We shall soon find out whether it was the right move for a boat that spends most of its time running 5-8 knots.
I will report back...
I noticed quite a tendency in this thread to indicate that it was not really meant for slow boats...Why do you think it was a big gamble? If it was properly applied to your prop, it should work fine at those speeds.
Unless you have a very slow turning prop, Propspeed should still work fine on the prop of a slow boat. It may not work as well on the rest of the running gear that moves through the water slower, however.
My typical cruising speed of 7 knots = about 1850 RPMUnless you have a very slow turning prop, Propspeed should still work fine on the prop of a slow boat. It may not work as well on the rest of the running gear that moves through the water slower, however.
My typical cruising speed of 7 knots = about 1850 RPM
Maggie, I boat in the same area as you and underwater metals get a lot of barnacles. You should not be using regular bottom paint on the metals. I think the spray paint you mean is Petit Barnacle Barrier. It's a zinc spray paint and good on underwater metals. I've never used it but I know others that have and it works for them. Needs 2-3 coats I think. I no longer do my own bottom prep and paint. The marina that does it for me uses Interlux Trilux which is good for underwater metals and is applied with a brush if that's what you prefer. I can't say it does a great job, but it's an option. Certainly better than leaving bare metal. I'd also advise against Prop Speed. It's expensive and I have no experience with it, but if I was to use it I would likely have it professionally applied. That's a pretty pricey option for a DIY guy. It also matters how often you use the boat. Prop speed does not kill barnacles, etc, but is slippery and works when your boat is in operation.
I'd also advise against Prop Speed. It's expensive and I have no experience with it, but if I was to use it I would likely have it professionally applied
Have used all three. Think propspeed is best on props. If the boat is left for awhile a trick some use is to put a black totally opaque plastic bag over the running gear. Two benefits. Much less water movement over them so less for filter feeders to eat. No sunlight so no plant life either. Bit of a pain to put on then remove before leaving but some believe worth the effort. We haven’t wet stored so haven’t used this trick ourselves. For the other two make sure you really rough things up. Adhesion is a issue. They wear off at the edges. Follow directions exactly if you want more mills at the edges otherwise it flakes off.
This for this and other reasons it’s good to go to WOT periodically.