Propeller antifoul

[Chrisc]

I am mulling over an idea for a propeller antifoul and would welcome feedback.

A while ago I messed up the mixing ratio of West System epoxy by adding a bit too much hardener. The resultant brew cured with good adhesion but remained slightly rubbery. The local West System supplier told me that it would remain a little soft and that the coating would slowly degrade over time.
I'm sure you can see where this is going.....

Why not mix in finely ground copper to an over-hardenered epoxy mix and apply it to a propeller? I have tried painting this mix (without the copper) onto stainless steel plate, and it sticks like poop to a blanket. A normal epoxy mix sets rock hard and can easily be chipped off, so I am assuming that if the mix remains slightly rubbery ie flexible then adhesion is enhanced. I presume that I would get the same result on a bronze prop.
The whole idea is based on money - I love PropSpeed but can't afford it.

[Boracay]

It might work. I'd reckon that's what the developers of Propspeed did - just tried lots of ways and finally one worked.

My understanding is that Propspeed is a silicon based coating that works by being so smooth that no fouling critters can hold on when the prop starts spinning.

If I was desperate to try a prop antifouling that wouldn't work I'd get a tube of el cheapo silicon rubber, prepare the prop as well as possible and then apply the silicon as smoothly as possible.

[ozskipper]

lanolin?

Skip to 6.06

Lanotec on ABC Landline (2001) - Part 2 - YouTube

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Chrisc

Why not mix in finely ground copper to an over-hardenered epoxy mix and apply it to a propeller?

Because the copper particles will be encapsulated in the epoxy matrix and have no transportation mechanism to reach the boundary layer between the prop surface and water (which is how anti fouling paint works.)

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Boracay

It might work. I'd reckon that's what the developers of Propspeed did - just tried lots of ways and finally one worked.

Except that the makers of PropSpeed had an understanding of what they were doing before they started. Also, PropSpeed works on a "foul-release" principle, meaning it creates a surface that is too slippery for fouling organisms to remain attached. It doesn't work by leaching toxins into the water, like traditional anti fouling paint.

[Cheechako]

I read an article recently stating that antifouling on a prop doesnt work well because it is sacrificial to the bronze prop. It said you need to prime the prop before putting antifouling on.
I have tried lanolin, ....marginally effective. On my cat I tried a full can of silicone sprayed on one prop and lanolin on the other. The lanolin was more effective.
I had access to industrial teflon coating (like the fry pans) years ago. I had my prop done with that. It seemed to work very well, (baked on) but I was in the PNW where the fouling isnt so bad.

[Chrisc]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Because the copper particles will be encapsulated in the epoxy matrix and have no transportation mechanism to reach the boundary layer between the prop surface and water (which is how anti fouling paint works.)

Yes, I did think that it would be necessary to sand the epoxy a little in order to expose the copper to the seawater.

[westwinds]

Sex Wax, it is used on surfboards, but can be used on a propeller for barnacles

[Artif]

TBS is selling this, Lanred, he stands by what he sells, and from experience of his other products and tools, he has always been right.
Glues, Tar & Pitch - Traditional Wooden Boat Supplies

[SmartMove]

Originally Posted by Boracay

My understanding is that Propspeed is a silicon based coating that works by being so smooth that no fouling critters can hold on when the prop starts spinning.

I can't speak to the physics of this, but I can tell you that we applied this to our prop a year ago and have had no critters adhered to the prop so far.

[sailorboy1]

I've used the Petiat (sp?) zinc spray for 2 years and it has worked good and was pretty cheap ($16 a can that lasted 2 years)

[hugosalt]

Have used Pettit Zinc Coat barrier 2 years running
on my flex o fold prop with disappointing results. (in western LI Sound) Will not use again. Will try to swing for PropSpeed next year.

[pbiJim]

Has anyone ever tried plasma coat or silicone paint?

[nolandan]

I might try copper-coat manufacturer base product in a silicone suspension. Their product is micro ground and since the product comes in a two part epoxy-solid you can make and easy calculation of how much you should use per ounce to get optimum coverage.