Has anyone used Prop Speed?

[Neeves]

Surely it is up to the supplier to decide how he wants to provide the product? If he believes his interests are best served by only offering it on a supply/apply basis he presumably accepts that it may limit his market on the grounds of higher cost. The potential buyer has to decide whether he is prepared to pay thyat cost. The seller is under no obligation to sell the materials where he has no control over the application.

Quite right, I cannot deny the logic. Maybe its simply a personal thing that I think I'm, at least, as good as an American. Roll on the 'Nanny States'.

But in defence of the product,

It seems to have been available in America, Australia and the UK for the same length of time. I did not come across it until about 2007 when maybe they started to promote aggressively. Its now very common in Oz. Most yards would offer it as their preferred prop coating (and its used for shafts and metal rudders, bow thrusters and the like). Not seen it on prop shaft rope cutters (but never actually seen a cutter on an Oz prop). The suppliers try to keep it available only through applicators. I have watched its application - its not difficult. You just need to follow the instruction to the letter.

It works for around 18 months, maybe longer in some situations. It does seem that if you damage the coating (rope round the prop, hit a piece of wood, maybe seaweed(?)) then the damage might provide a location for marine organisms to take hold and then take over. But damage is not that big and issue.

But the impression I get is that it has not had the same proportion of uptake in the UK as Oz?

 

[Bajansailor]

I put some on our prop a few years ago, and it worked very well, despite me not being qualified for the job, and splashing it on with far less than ideal preparation beforehand.

A gentleman had mixed up some for the two large propellers on the sportsfishing boat next to us, and he had some leftover afterwards, so he asked if we would like it - the prop was still covered in growth so a hasty sand and clean up, then painted on the leftovers - and it was very impressive.

 

[Neeves]

Two minutes on Google and I came up with this....

http://www.dowcorning.com/content/discover/applications-barnacles-slip.aspx
http://www.international-marine.com/products/info/intersleek-757.aspx

Whether or not it is available in leisure boat quantites I don't know.

Intersleek from International 'is a very specialised product and not available for the DIY trade' - I note from the data provided it is only available in rather large volumes.