Prop Antifoul

[sailorboy1]

Was under the boat yesterday cleaning the hull and was amazed at how much stuff was growing on the shaft and prop. Now that shaft/prop are coated with the Pettit Barnacle Buster and it only has been sitting 1 month. Did a search, but I guess I'm not good enough, so looking for suggestions for coatings that can be applied underwater to just help while sitting on the mooring.

BTW - after I did start engine and spun the prop and it moved the boat just fine, but didn't go back down to look at it again. So it is possible it all flung off. If I ever have to make a quick exit I don't want to be worried the prop is too fouled to allow it.

[Sailmonkey]

I’ve not tried it, but I’ve heard that lanocote smeared on all of t surfaces will prevent anything from sticking.

[sailorboy1]

I've "heard" too, waiting to see if someone who has done it posts about it.

[Q Xopa]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I’ve not tried it, but I’ve heard that lanocote smeared on all of t surfaces will prevent anything from sticking.

I havent tried this either, but my boat neighbour swares by Surf board wax

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I’ve not tried it, but I’ve heard that lanocote smeared on all of t surfaces will prevent anything from sticking.

We have a small tub of the stuff on board which I use on the rigging, but it sticks to everything particularly fingers and is a sod to clean off. You need disposable gloves it you are going to handle it.

Pete

[billknny]

Short of a haulout to apply a proper antifouing solution, the best way to keep your prop clean while sitting on a mooring is to cover it with a black plastic bag tied around the shaft.

Of course you should be diving to take it off before moving the boat. If that's not a problem, then that's your best solution.

Waxes, Lanocote, all work for a little while. How long depends on water temperature, salinity, and flow. Now are even close to season long solutions in places with significant fouling problems.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Pete7

We have a small tub of the stuff on board which I use on the rigging, but it sticks to everything particularly fingers and is a sod to clean off. You need disposable gloves it you are going to handle it.

Pete

you think it can be applied and stick to a wet surface

[sailorboy1]

Well I looked the Lanocote stuff up and I'm not paying that much $$$$ for souped up grease. Think I'll just clean the prop and shaft and try some plain old grease and see what happens.

Is there a tin based grease *


* don't know, but there is antifoul grease**

** never mind, it appears to just be a different sheep grease mixture

[Q Xopa]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

you think it can be applied and stick to a wet surface

Yes, he says he reapplies the wax in the water, every so often when it has come off.

[misfits]

I smeared Desitin? diaper rash ointment on the prop & shaft last year. Three months later no barnacles but did have vegetation that was easily removed. Many folks at the boat yard in Maine swear by just plain old zinc chromate paint from Ace Hardware. Figured I'd try it next season.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by misfits

Many folks at the boat yard in Maine swear by just plain old zinc chromate paint from Ace Hardware. Figured I'd try it next season.

I tried that one year when in Salem MA. At the haul out that year I could tell that the barnacles LOVED it

[Wood]

Originally Posted by misfits

I smeared Desitin? diaper rash ointment on the prop & shaft last year. Three months later no barnacles but did have vegetation that was easily removed. Many folks at the boat yard in Maine swear by just plain old zinc chromate paint from Ace Hardware. Figured I'd try it next season.

I used Rustoleum zinc primer on running gear in Great Bay Porstmouth, NH this year. It's a moderate fouling area. 6 months no growth on the gear. There was still paint on the props with ~ 100 hr run time.

[Wood]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I tried that one year when in Salem MA. At the haul out that year I could tell that the barnacles LOVED it

I grew up on Salem Harbor and spent a couple of weeks on a mooring there last summer. I believe you - but am surprised to hear it.


I had dinghys and runabouts from the 60's and 28' sailboat mooring there for several years in the late 80's and never had a barnacle, only slime.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

you think it can be applied and stick to a wet surface

I will give it a go on the pontoon ladder on Sunday if I remember. They are normally cleaned by volunteers every 6 months due to the weed.

Pete

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by Q Xopa

I havent tried this either, but my boat neighbour swares by Surf board wax

I tried the surfboard wax method on a haul out a few years ago, lasted about a month then needed reapplication every time I used the boat! No no no, not ever again.