Best Way to Scrape the Prop Clean

[barnakiel]

I use a putty knife under water. In the boatyard and orbital sander.

b.

[Cheechako]

Here's the best underwater answer. This one is about 14 years old and still going strong.
* no sharp corners to gouge the bottom, prop or you!
*Rigid enough to work, but flexible enough to follow the contour of the prop or bottom.
*polished stainless with grippy handle.
This one is labeled "sani safe" Dexter Russel #S171

[bstreep]

Originally Posted by GeoPowers

They do:

Stainless Steel "5 In 1" Painter Tool

Frank

Ok... I mean, I JUST placed an order with Defender about 2 hours ago. And NOW I find out they have this? Ugh.

[fstbttms]

This is what the pros use:

[impi]

Originally Posted by charliehows

bet its a bit warmer in the water there - getting on to the shortest day here, bit nippy

Yeah Charlie, must admit the water is SUPER WARM here and using my tanks also allows me to take my time. I must admit that although these damn things grow fast here I have not found them difficult to remove.

[impi]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

This is what the pros use:

Makes sense ... actually have one for my BBQ

[charliehows]

picked up one of those multi tool scrapers, thanks. what i didnt mention - im about 14 months out from previous antifoul and the hull is still really clean, after cleaning the barnacles off the prop the boat just took off, makes a big difference (should have noticed because i was getting hull speed pretty easily under sail it was only when i run the engine she was dragging her arse)

[HopCar]

We've been selling a lot these lately.

They come in different sizes to match your shaft size. I haven't tried it yet but I've heard good things about it. It ain't cheap but it is well made and designed to protect your hand. If you look at it on my web site, it will explain what all the curves and pointy things are for. Top Shelf Marine Ultimate Hull Scraper - MFG#01US1.5

They also make more conventional putty knife style scrappers out of stainless with rounded corners and the nice big protective handle. New Wave Boat Hull Scrapers - MFG# 01NWS2

[HopCar]

Cheechako, I like it! A multi purpose tool. It scrapes bottoms one minute and flips pancakes the next.

[onestepcsy37]

i'm in an area of heavy barnacle fouling on the prop. had to dive on the prop once a month. been using a mason's trowel for years. they're made of good quality spring steel, have a pointy end and broad sides. they are available at any hardware store for under ten bucks. i drilled a hole through the handle and ran a loop of line through it to help keep it attached to my hand. give it a quick rinse after use and/or run an oily cloth across it before putting it away.

then, on the advice of a bottom cleaning diver, i rubbed sex wax on the prop. didn't have a single barnacle for the next six months. can't tell you how long this stuff will last because i hauled out for other reasons.

sex wax? ask any surf shop....

[impi]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

i'm in an area of heavy barnacle fouling on the prop. had to dive on the prop once a month. been using a mason's trowel for years. they're made of good quality spring steel, have a pointy end and broad sides. they are available at any hardware store for under ten bucks. i drilled a hole through the handle and ran a loop of line through it to help keep it attached to my hand. give it a quick rinse after use and/or run an oily cloth across it before putting it away.

then, on the advice of a bottom cleaning diver, i rubbed sex wax on the prop. didn't have a single barnacle for the next six months. can't tell you how long this stuff will last because i hauled out for other reasons.

sex wax? ask any surf shop....

Now THIS I find interesting! Do you apply it underwater?

[onestepcsy37]

yes, applied it underwater. it comes in a hand sized cake. did a bunch of free dives, rubbing it hard on the prop each time. can't tell you how many times but i was pretty tired when i was done. still had a lot of the cake left afterwards.

a local bottom cleaning diver put me on to it. this is in central florida.

[impi]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

yes, applied it underwater. it comes in a hand sized cake. did a bunch of free dives, rubbing it hard on the prop each time. can't tell you how many times but i was pretty tired when i was done. still had a lot of the cake left afterwards.

a local bottom cleaning diver put me on to it. this is in central florida.

... and so I have learnt something new again! Great!

Wonder if one rubbed wax on the hulls below the water line?

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by impi

.Wonder if one rubbed wax on the hulls below the water line?

Give it a shot. Let us know how that works out for you.

[dirkdig]

Originally Posted by impi

... and so I have learnt something new again! Great!

Wonder if one rubbed wax on the hulls below the water line?

You are going to need a few more blocks of wax to do that!