Antifouling paint for prop

[dmorris800]

Question, Has anyone used Pettit Zinc coat barnicle barrier on their trim tabs and props. I used to use it on my sail boat's bronze prop and shaft and it worked great. I have a Bravo 3 standard setup
Dave

 

[dpmulvey]

Not here. The only two ways I have found to preclude running gear growth were prop speed and using you boat. The latter is more fun and cheaper.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Many use it at my club and say it works great.
I dont really know because, they do use their boats often...
I'm going to try it this year.

 

[AMFM3]

Nothing touches my props...nothing. Except a prop guy/mechanic and the water. Paint...no way!

Mark

 

[IanBat]

Prop Speed and a good run at least once a week.

 

[hottoddie]

I had my 19 X 18 bronze props powder coated with 'Mussel Buster" powder coat. Props came out clean with any barnacles. I am in a very heavy area for barnacles. Still looks good and expect to get 3-5 years out of it. Cost about $300 for both props.

 

[aquadancer]

I painted my props for the first time ever this year. I used Drive Sleek by Bluewater Paints. Heard good things about it and not a large investment. My yard did the prep, I primed and painted myself - under $150 total. Will it hold up? I'll report back after my mid-season haul out.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Nothing touches my props...nothing. Except a prop guy/mechanic and the water. Paint...no way!

Mark

(Not trying to shoot down your comment but, on the subject for other people in other places..)

If you don't have a fouling problem, I agree with nothing should touch the props but, just one barnacle will ruin the efficiency of the blade, cause vibration, increase fuel and decrease speed!
Fouling on the shaft in front of the prop affects the water flowing to the prop and barnacles on the rudder create drag.
Barnacles on intakes will affect the inflow of water and cause engines to over heat and air conditioners to stop.

You need something to combat the affects of barnacles and such on all of the gear in any kind of fouling area.
Several days in warm salt water (ask the Florida guys) will cover the unprotected running gear and lead to unhappy boating.

Hears to a happy boating season (with little fouling),

Mark.