Has anyone used PropGlide before?

G

GregR

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quote:
Originally posted by GregR

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Looks very much like Prop Speed.

This would not be fun every year-
"You must remove all of the old PropGlide by sandblasting, sanding, scraping, wire wheel or grinder. After all old PropGlide is removed down to the metal surface, clean the area to be primed with Xylol or Acetone. Recoat PropGlide using the application guidelines"
 
quote:
Originally posted by abalmuth

quote:
Originally posted by GregR

Click to expand...
Looks very much like Prop Speed.

This would not be fun every year-
"You must remove all of the old PropGlide by sandblasting, sanding, scraping, wire wheel or grinder. After all old PropGlide is removed down to the metal surface, clean the area to be primed with Xylol or Acetone. Recoat PropGlide using the application guidelines"

Click to expand...


Agreed, as I told the broker, I'm not a fan of applications like this and I don't want to end up having to own it and deal with it.
 
Looke briefly at prop speed and another product like it online a few weeks ago right after I picked my props up at the prop shop. Figured as long as I had them done I may as well take a look at this stuff.
Honestly, for me as a recreational boater, it seemed like too much of a PIA to apply and keep up with every year.
 
FWIW, here's my take :

For about 5 yrs I used Velux+ on my T/I/B nibral props with results way better than previously with no attempt at antifouling other than thorough cleaning at the end of the season and stiff hand brushing a few times during the 6 mon NE boating season.

For years I had heard reports of boaters using zinc galvanizing spray as running gear anti-fouling with good results, but I was both skeptical and concerned about "potential" corrosion issues.

Last winter I again shined the props up with Scotch-Brite discs, but instead of applying 2 coats of Velux+ primer and at least a couple of Velux+ top coat( which is much easier than prepping and applying PropSpeed, though I believe Prop Speed lasts a longer), I just sprayed on about 3 quick coats of Pettit Barnacle Barrier on one of the props and RustOleum or CRC? Cold Galvanizing spray on the other. Those 2 are essentially the exact same zinc spray coating , only the the Rust-Oleum or CRC is 50+% less expensive for ~same % of zinc and other ingredients.

There was nothing growing on the props for about 2/3 of the season and only the slightest growth w/ no barnacles by the end of the season as the sprayed application wore thin from suspended abrasives flowing past. No sign at all of any corrosion due to dissimilar metals, no detrimental effect.

Both of the galvanizing spray applications were just as effective as the Velox + .

*PropSpeed kit- ~$300 for 200ml kit for one application on 1 prop or maybe $360 for the 500ml kit for 2 props. Reportedly the most effective but prep, application technique and coating timing is most critical .

*Velux Plus kit - ~$127 for ( their smallest) 25ml metal primer & 50ml Velux Plus kit . Several coats of the 2 parts needed but application is easy and timing is less critical. 1 kit will be good for 2-3 years annual liberal application on 2 props.

**Cold galvanizing spray- ~`$10-12 a spray can ( Pettit Barnacle Barrier ~$28 for same thing)

Application couldn't be simpler ( on well cleaned props. 1 part & a few fast drying coats. 1 can probably good for at least a couple annual applications on 2 props.

I will be Scotch-Brite-ing the props and reapplying the zinc cold galvanizing spray as that is most cost-effective and least labor-intensive for me.

But for folks who leave their boat in the water for years w/o haulout for bottom paint, I'd think Prop Speed would be worth the expense and labor.

All that said , use on aluminum props might be a different story, I don't know.
 
Sandy, haven't been impressed with the results of either the Pettit Zn spray or the Rustoleum zn spray. Lots of barnacles on my running gear at haulout last fall. Water intakes treated also and just as fouled. Result of the warmer waters down here?
 
Greg- Sorry to hear you had poorer results on your running gear in VA.

Just curious, was there still a good coat of zinc spray on on the prop blades, did you clean them down to all shiny metal with a somewhat abrasive material to provide "tooth" grip right to the metal, and do you recall if you used at least several coats?

Even here in the NE I go under at least 2 or 3 times a season to scrub the whole bottom and props with a brush and rake the slotted intakes and check/replace the 6 U/W anodes. Even tenacious slime or light "peach fuzz" causes drag so I like to semi-minimize that.

It does sound like PropSpeed would be worth the cost and effort under your boat for best results.

Boy I'm glad I don't have a boat in the water now. The bare trees are yanking around in WNW gusts to 54kts/62MPH.
 
I used Rustoleeum Cold Galvanizing spray paint last season and had no growth or corrosion.
 
Yes, still a good amt of grey paint on the running gear at haulout.
 
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