Manky prop

[Magic_Sailor]

Been thinking for some time that my boat was going as fast as it should do under power..and it was getting worse. This was confirmed the weekend before last when I had to motorsail to get over the tide and wind entring the Hamble!

Last Saturday, luckily enough, was very hot so I went over the side and checked the prop out. Sho' nuff, it was covered in barnacles and wildlife which I scraped off. Instant improvment back to the old performance.

I can only think that this has occured due to the change in water that Magicienne normally lives in. When up the Hamble I suspect that it was much less saline but now, having moved her to Marchwood, it's more like the sea than a river; hence more sea wild life.

OK, so the question is - what can I do to prevent it? I've noticed some people paint their props with anti-foul but I would have that that by it's very nature it would wear off very quickly. Any suggestions??

Magic

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://practical-business.co.uk>Click for website!</A>

 

[tcm]

scraping them off is the #1 way i'm afraid to say. Yep, you can paintem, but that doesn't eliminate them. Some of the shiny lacquers suposedly reduce the ability of the critturs to hold on, and copper oxide repels them.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ChrisE]

Some CA members have reported success using lanoline but it seems to be critical how you put the stuff on as to how effective it is.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sybarite]

Do barnacles get dizzy...? (nm)

.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Talbot]

TCM how are your props this year after that super shiny stuff you put on them? presume your smelly exhaust has now been fixed?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[tcm]

harumph, the smelly exhaust is in process as we speak, with boat ashore in saxon wharf. Fortunately, MAN have agreed to supply the parts free so it's only gonna be 12 grand, glub.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Talbot]

Gulp £12k on top of the service charge wow I think I am in the wrong profession - actually I know I am in the wrong profession, cause still no snif of a job, so I have applied for some diff jobs and so far have not been rejected, but not had an interview either! apparently the managers are all still thinking about it!

At least the weather we have had the last couple of months, has not been "I must go to the boat" weather. If you feel in need of a quick dose of sea give me a shout.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[tcm]

should be back in the water in 2-3 weeks. The camshaft drive to the fuel injector buggered itself with nasty bits of gear teeth somehwere in the sump. Fortunately no cylinder damage says the egr bod.

Yep the shiny shiny prop lacquer seemed okay, but not 100% shiny any more. I think magic sailor may as well continue with the occassional dive over the side. from time to time, and i wd expect the dreaded crusty critturs to be worst around this time of year.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Gordonmc]

I used lanolin on the prop and shaft before putting the boat in last March (03) and she has overwintered in a salt-water marina since. The prop had soft growth at the weekend when I got back after a fortnight abroad, but it cleared completely after an evening sail and 20 mins. with the donk on.
Having said that, the amount of growth on the hull is minimal.
Maybe the critters don't like the taste of Hillyards.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Magic_Sailor]

Hi Gordon
Thanks for replying

A couple of questions:

How do you apply it? - thickness etc
Where do you get it from?

Cheers

Magic


<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://practical-business.co.uk>Click for website!</A>

 

[Ruffles]

It also dramitcally increases your fuel consumption. Caused me to run out of fuel opposite Hurst last year. The previous tank had lasted me 18 months so I never checked checked the level.

How easy is it to clean with the boat in the water? I have an ancient wetsuit from my dinghy sailing days. I can just about get in it but my voice goes up an octave or two. I can buy a mask. Do I need a snorkel?

Rob.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[R32Stbrigid]

as another Marchwoodite (for the last 15 years) I have the same problem.

The answer? there isnt one, but scrape the B*****s off!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Magic_Sailor]

Luckily for me it was a hot day on Saturday - so it was quite refreshing - whilst Mrs Magic got a sun tan.

I whipped a chisel to the end of my boathook. Broke out an old snorkel and mask and then "laid out" of the inflatable (tied alongside) with my upper boady and chest in the water.

The water was pretty murky so I had to get quite close to see the prop at all.

Scraping wasn't too difficult but I wouldn't fancy doing it in colder weather.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://practical-business.co.uk>Click for website!</A>

 

[Gordonmc]

I got it from the local chemist, although he had to order it in. Came in a half-litre tub and labelled Anhydrous Lanolin.
It comes its a waxy yellow substance. To apply, use a heat gun and warm up the prop, previously wire-brushed and polished. You can put the lanolin onto the warmed surface with a spatula, or alternatively heat up the stuff in the pot with the gun to liquify and apply with an old paintbrush. Put down some old cloths on anything you don't want covered.
After putting dollops on, smooth off using the heat gun so you get an even flow.
Once cool it will go back to its waxy consistency. Repeat if it looks thin in places.
Lanolin is no more sophisticated than boiled up dead sheep, or rather the scum taken from boiled up fleeces, so the unrefined stuff is smelly as well as messy, hence spending a bit more for the anhydrous is worth it.
It is also the traditional dressing for rigging screws (FWIW).

<hr width=100% size=1>