Anyone used Propspeed prop treatment?

[Seashoreman]

Managed to remove prop from VP 120 saildrive this morning, all nicely cleaned up. Over rewarding refreshments I was recommended Propspeed as an antifouling finish for said aluminium blades. Never heard of this before. There is a local centre for this in Woodbridge which is convienient. However, does it work against barnacles and is it more expensive than paint?

 

[TradewindSailor]

I've used it. It was very expensive but it goes a long way .... a small can did 4+ small props. I applied it myself, but I understand in some parts of the world only licensed applicators are allowed to do it. The process is very simple though .... and preparation is very important.

It works by denying the fouling any grip.

I found that it worked well for the first 6 months. Any fouling was easily removed before it became established. If I used the engines more regularly I doubt if I would have got any build up over the time.

It didn't last because once the layer is worn off on say the tips, hard crustations grew requiring aggressive scraping for removal .... which of course removed more of the Propspeed.

I have no hesitation in recommending it for boats that are hauled every year where it can be re-applied and the water is too cold or murky to scrape the blades; but I wouldn't bother in the tropics as scraping is no problem and a good excuse to get in the water.

 

[Tranona]

Managed to remove prop from VP 120 saildrive this morning, all nicely cleaned up. Over rewarding refreshments I was recommended Propspeed as an antifouling finish for said aluminium blades. Never heard of this before. There is a local centre for this in Woodbridge which is convienient. However, does it work against barnacles and is it more expensive than paint?

As with most treatments to props you will get variable reports from useless to brilliant. I have found Trilux effective on both the saildrive housing and the prop - both aluminium standard prop and bronze folder. Relatively cheap and easy to apply compared with other treatments.