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Any magic coating to keep critters off plastic props?

Discussion in 'Props, Shafts & Seals' started by Norseman, Jul 16, 2020.

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  1. Norseman, Jul 16, 2020
    #1
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Splurged on a new prop for my Vetus thruster: Plenty of growth in my brackish canal, both barnacles and slime.
    Used regular anti fouling paint before, with mixed results:
    EE59FEB1-E7C7-47EB-8C7E-EDDD5A5DDA1E.jpeg
    Thruster and boat is being used at least once a week come hell or high water.
    (Neither so far :confused:)

    The new prop deserves some TLC, so I called Vetus and asked what they recommend?
    Nothing they said, but they are aware some folks use Barnacle Busters. (For cleaning maybe, don’t think it will be useful at all as coating.)

    What does the experts here at YachtForums use, if anything?
    (Let’s keep Covid-19, Trump and the usual stuff out of this:cool:)

    9535DBA1-FD41-4D26-BA74-02009CDE6E87.jpeg
  2. DOCKMASTER, Jul 16, 2020
    #2
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I used a good A/F on mine. Worked pretty well but I don't have the same warm water growth you have. I'm also curious to see what others are doing.
  3. NYCAP123, Jul 16, 2020
    #3
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Definitely a difference between Alaska and Ft. Lauderdale. I never saw so many barnacles in my life as when my boat lived there, and my boat moved every day.
    Given the speed of those props you'll need something real slick and hard.
  4. BRyachts, Jul 16, 2020
    #4
    BRyachts

    BRyachts Member

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    I've used Propspeed on metal thruster props, no idea if it would work on plastic, or even stick for that matter.
  5. NYCAP123, Jul 16, 2020
    #5
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Has anyone tried Prop Glide?
  6. Danvilletim, Jul 16, 2020
    #6
    Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    I’ve heard hydroxychloroquine can really defeat those bugs.
  7. Norseman, Jul 16, 2020
    #7
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Bad Boy, I knew this would happen..:D
  8. Norseman, Jul 16, 2020
    #8
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Never heard of it, almost sounds like some kinky product from your clubbing days Ed..? :cool:
  9. leeky, Jul 16, 2020
    #9
    leeky

    leeky Senior Member

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    According to the bottompaintstore.com, Propspeed's "Clear Top Coat without the use of the etching primer can be used on plastic based items such as underwater lights, composite propellers and plastic bow thrusters." There is, also, this caveat: "Propspeed clear coat is a soft coating and is easily damaged by mechanical abrasion, fi shing tackle or ropes around the running gear. Vessels used in shallow, sandy areas are also prone to mechanical abrasion of the clear coat."
  10. NYCAP123, Jul 16, 2020
    #10
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    They say similar to Prop Speed except DIY.
    http://www.propglide.com/
  11. Norseman, Jul 17, 2020
    #11
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    I checked the website, no mention of plastic propellers, sent them a message asking about it.
  12. Norseman, Jul 17, 2020
    #12
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Great, will ask the yard to use the top coat on the plastic prop.
    Thx
  13. rtrafford, Jul 17, 2020
    #13
    rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Yes, I use prop speed. Use it on the thruster props, running gear, rudders, underside of the trim tabs. Prepped well, it works well. Nothing is perfect.
  14. NYCAP123, Jul 17, 2020
    #14
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    I'm sure many will benefit from hearing their reply.
  15. Norseman, Jul 17, 2020
    #15
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Used prop speed on metal props, rudder and trim tabs as well.
    Lasts about a year in Florida, looks like I will try it on the thruster prop this time.
  16. d_meister, Jul 17, 2020
    #16
    d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    If you have or do your own bottom maintenance, you could try something like this,
    upload_2020-7-17_9-0-15.png
    I have no experience with it, but a wax that can be reapplied under water makes sense for a surface that doesn't hold coatings well to begin with.
  17. Norseman, Jul 17, 2020
    #17
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    From the manufacturer of Prop Glide:

    Not doing my own bottom maintenance, just doing an oil change and new prop on the bow thruster. Last time in (another) yard, they screwed up the bow thruster service, doing it myself now.
  18. NYCAP123, Jul 17, 2020
    #18
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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  19. Norseman, Jul 17, 2020
    #19
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Thx, that may be the future, but for the short term, as in the few days my tub is on the hard, I just need to smear or spray something on.
    Asked the Yard Boss today about using Prop Speed on plastic, without the primer, as suggested above:
    He said it was a bad idea, but he had something better and he would take care of it. (Prop Coat)
    So, I will try that, worst thing that can happen is that it rubs off over time and we are back to the bare plastic which is what Vetus recommended anyways.
  20. NYCAP123, Jul 17, 2020
    #20
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    When the future comes try putting a bunch of pimples on it and see what happens. In fact maybe Vetus should try it.
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