Lanolin v Prop Shield any opinions or feedback

[superheat6k]

I had heavy build up if barnacles on my stern gear this time out - likely due to lack of use last year due to the absence if a summer.

This year I want to coat the shafts and props with something, even if it only lasts a coupled months it will delay the onset of the little critters.

Lanolin seems cheap compared with Prop Shield, which is lanolin based.

Any feedback or opinions on what to try woud be appreciated.

 

[Jurgen]

Have a similar interest with my props, was just going to use 3M wax as a way of delaying the inevitable

 

[Firefly625]

Used prop shield and found difficult to apply and not at all effective.

Last year used TK marine spray anti foul and worked better, so easy to apply and far far cheaper. Got from force 4 . http://www.force4.co.uk/9073/Force-4-TK-Line-Antifouling-Spray-Clear.html

There have been various threads about the subject but myself and another forumite, epervier, both used last season and agreed it was pretty good / to the point I believe quite a number from ybw now are going to try.... Me and my big mouth!

 

[Hurricane]

I did an experiment last year using both Lanoguard (the cheap lanolin that you can get in the chandlers) and Propshield
I have to say that the Propshield was MUCH easier to apply.
However, I did buy the Industrial version of Propshield which is much thinner and easier to apply.

But, for the Med anyway, neither of them worked!!!!

This is how I did the test - Propshield is pink - Lanoguard is green

Before launch

4 months later

 

[Scubadoo]

Tired propshield for several years and concluded it is not effective, I tried carefully heating it on the props but still no good. Since then I have found a much better solution, Premier One outdrive antifouling paint and several layers of epoxy.

 

[Gavin]

I agree with previous posters. Tried Lanolin (can't remember the brand but came in small white plastic pots) a few years ago on our last boat. Chocolate fireguard springs to mind

 

[superheat6k]

Thanks, and especially to Hurricane. - and I thought I had a problem on the Hamble !!!

Looks like I need to try the TK spray.

Hopefully plans for this year will see more run hours as I think keeping the props burning and turning is likely the best solution.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I wouldn't bother with Propspeed either. Just as useless as the others. Basically, anything that will adhere to the fast spinning props of a fast mobo and stop barnacles is the holy grail of motorboating and anyone who develops such a product will make a fortune

 

[Hurricane]

Thanks, and especially to Hurricane. - and I thought I had a problem on the Hamble !!!

Yep
Although, in our marina, we get VERY cheap lift and scrubs
JW is 20m long and we can lift, scrub/pressure wash and re-launch for less than 150 euros.
It's a "no brainer" really - takes a couple of hours but you end up with a clean boat and you can check anodes etc at the same time.

 

[Hurricane]

I wouldn't bother with Propspeed either. Just as useless as the others. Basically, anything that will adhere to the fast spinning props of a fast mobo and stop barnacles is the holy grail of motorboating and anyone who develops such a product will make a fortune

Mike
I'm trying a slightly different approach on the stern gear this year.
A few years ago, we tried the Hempel 2 part primer.
I didn't have any Hempel antifoul that I could use on the top of their primer so I put some International Trilux over it.
It seemed at the time that the primer stuck to the props but the Trilux didn't stick to the primer.
I've been keeping this observation in mind over the last few years whilst we tried other treatments.
This year, I've got some more of the Hempel 2 part primer so we will put that on first.
The local Hempel agent here in Devon has suggested that I then use a second primer over the 2 parts one
He thinks that this will then help to "stick" the antifoul to the first primer.
I've then gone for their hardest antifoul which they use for high speed boats.
It's only for the props so the whole thing didn't break the bank!!
Although I do feel a bit of a mug going through it all again!!

Anyway, back to the point of the Propshield experiment last year.
I think there is an argument that the Propshield worked.
It was easy to apply (being the Industrial version) and I think it made it easy to clean off with the pressure washer.
So, despite the pics above, I haven't given up on Propshield.
In fact, if I were berthing in the Hamble again, I'd definitely consider using it again.
It's just that the Med is so much warmer and attracts barnacles so aggressively.
Especially our part of the Med where the marina water temp is so hot (being so enclosed and behind the lagoon)
Anyway, I'd rather have the hot weather and these problems than the UK weather.
Especially as these problems go away when we use our cheap lifts.

 

[PhilipF]

Last year I used International Trilux, not had the boat out of water since, but for ease of use and first impressions, doubt I'll use anything else.

The blades need proper preparing of course, I used a power drill, and the 'buffering' attachments that can be bought in B & Q.

 

[IDAMAY]

Just tried to apply Propshield (not the industrial version) in this foul cold weather. Despite all the heat I could apply it just waxed. Gave up and reverted to spray on chain grease from our local Honda motorcycle dealer. Went on like a dream. Used same last year with apparently fair results. Just smoke barnacles on the props and thin layer of slime on shafts. Not sure how much I put down to the chain grease or last summer's cold water temperatures! Shan't be trying prop shield again.

 

[rubberduck]

We use propshield with very good results but it has to be done properly. I think peoples idea of properly varies considerably. When I had it done at my last marina most of it ended up in the raw water strainers after a short run & it was hopeless, my present marina Fambridge seem to get it right & it works well.

 

[Ripster]

I have tried Propshield several times and concluded that the only real way to do it is with props on the bench. Heat them up nice and hot all over with a blowtorch, heat up the propshield too, thin down the first coat with a bit of white spirit and paint it on. Two coats of the thin stuff and one coat of full strength. If you decide to have a go like this, once finished, cover the props in cling film whilst you handle and refit them or it can rub off whilst its in relatively warm air and out of the water. Bit of a faff tbh, but if you do it like this it does stay on reasonably and will work to a fashion - though not perfect and you still get growth and barni's after about 8 months in. Think I am going to try the stuff as recommended by Firelfy625.