Alternatives to propspeed.

[Herreshoff]

Hi all,

I'm wanting to paint my prop with propspeed in Sydney Australia however it can not be bought over the counter here.

It got me wondering if anyone has found a cheap alternative, perhaps something silicone based, that works well that is less expensive and can be bought over the counter and applied by oneself.

Anyone?

[ronbo1]

Many folks use zinc spray from the hardware store. Pettit is a brand that some highly recommend although I've had limited good results.

This year I'm trying Velox Plus which is a 2 part system requiring an etching coat to make the topcoat adhere properly. Application appears to be critical - as with PropSpeed - which may explain why you can't purchase PS over the counter in AUS.

Ronbo

[ranger58sb]

Yep, Pettit's Barnacle Barrier is what we've been using to good effect. Rust-O-Leum's even less expensive zinc spray is said to list the same ingredients on the MSDS.


-Chris

[2Hulls]

I used to get excellent results with Interlux two part 353/354 Vinyl Lux Wash applied immediately after bringing the prop blades to bright metal + 6 brush coats of Primocon + 4-6 brush coats of Trilux.

But now the 353/354 is no longer available. This was the etching coat and everything I've tried since with the Primocon and Trilux has not worked.

If somebody can recommend a substitute for the 353/354, I think my old system will work and it's far cheaper and less sensitive to application errors than Prop speed.

Picture shows blades after application of 353/354.

Dave

[onestepcsy37]

Sex Wax. Can be applied underwater.

[Ostinato]

LOL - Sex Wax???? Which version? Do you have personal experience?

[onestepcsy37]

Yes. We have a big prop fouling problem in east central florida. The boat diver recommended it. Without hauling I spent about 15 minutes snorkeling and rubbing it on my prop. End of problem. I used the version that the guy in the surf shop said was recommended for warm waters.

[Ostinato]

How often do you apply it?

[Ostinato]

Also do you leave your boat in during the winter and if so what your routine then? This is serious stuff. Thanks.

[onestepcsy37]

Winter? What's that? The boat is in the water about four years between bottom jobs. You will have to reapply the wax occasionally, depending on a couple of factors. But at $1 or so a cake, its not expensive.

BTW, I've found the best tool for scraping the prop is a mason's trowel. But drill a hole through the handle and tie a line through it so you dont lose it in deep water.

[2Hulls]

Even cheaper than Sex Wax is Vegemite. Just spread it around on the blades, because, after all, it isn't edible, and when you have to reapply it after every motoring occasion, just scrape off any growth at the same time.

Dave

[colemj]

I thought Vegemite WAS growth?

Mark

[JPA Cate]

Could try Prop Gold, they advertise in AFLOAT magazine.

A.

[micknor51]

To Dave & Mark re Vegemite,
Whereas Vegemite may not be to everyones taste (not mine either), you culinary gourmets have plenty of US of A products that are surely far more suitable for anti foul than for human consumption.
Those that live in glass boats??!!
As for myself I recently applied Velox Plus to the prop and shaft.
Michael

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

Sex Wax. Can be applied underwater.

Is that a Brazilian product?