New - the answer to Propeller treatment

Hurricane

Hurricane

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Or is it?

I've been told that to keep the barnacle critters away you can apply 2 coats of epoxy primer (a 2 component system suitable for applying to metal - then apply Titan Yate which I believe to be owned by Hempel) followed by 2 coats of Titan Yate hard antifouling called Matriz Dura.

So I've had a look at the Titan Yate site and found that they also have a propeller product - see here http://www.titanlux.com/index_eng.asp under Products - Propeller Antifouling.

I've will have to lift JennyWren sometime as she has unprotected metal parts at the moment and if this works it could be what we are all looking for?

So what do people think?
 
FWIW, I use Titan antifouling on my hull on the recommendation of my man what does and it works pretty well but I am sceptical about propellor treatments. This stuff seems too easy to apply and if it worked, I'm sure everyone in the Med would be using it. Maybe it's designed for displacement boats?
I've tried the Propspeed treatment professionally applied but it didn't last more than a few weeks before the barnacles started adhering and the treatment started to flake off. My best advice is to make friends with a local diver and have your sterngear cleaned 3 or 4 times a year. It's not a bad idea anyway because it's wise to ensure that intakes are cleaned on a regular basis and the bowthruster is clean for max efficiency. It's easy to lose 5-6kts in the Med due to prop fouling so the cost of a few cleans by a diver every year is offset by better fuel consumption
 
I'm toying with the idea of fitting the ultra-sonic device, just to try and keep the stern gear clean, but still anti-foul the hull. The manufacturer is a bit non-comittal about whether it'll keep them completely clean, but it's not a ridiculous price, and would soon pay for itself if it does work ..
 
Thanks Mike

Yep - I remembered that you've tried Propspeed and I've actually got some Scuba kit myself and been down underneath recently to have a look and a quick scrape.

However, the people who are suggesting this treatment believe that they have the solution. If this is so I'm sure it would be taken up by anyone with any sense. Still stranger things have happened and they have a boat under test at the moment - I'm keeping an open and positave mind. I'm particularly interested to see if this stuff stays on. We should know the results in a few weeks.
 
I was considering ultrasonics as well but someone on here wondered what it would to to other equipment on the boat. By other equipment he meant seals and other materials that could breakdown and cause problems. Imagine if the integrity of the hull was compromised whilst you were away? Probably a bit extreme to consider but I'm not sure I want to be the first to find out any side efects.
 
I met with Neil earlier this week - it seems a lot of boats are experiencing prop-fouling problems in the new marina in Sant Carles. I assume that's where the boat that's on test is located. I left there yesterday, good to see the new boat hoist is being errected! I believe that we are to be given free lifts to deal with this issue. I took my T34 out on Monday, she has only been in this marina for a short while - I noticed a very significant drop in speed which I assume is as a result of prop fouling. I hope to lift her out very soon to inspect and if necessary anti-foul!
 
Prop fouling is an issue everywhere in the Med and I would be surprised if it was particularly worse in S Carles. It comes as a bit of a shock to UK boaters when they start boating in the Med for the first time. It's a combination of the higher water temps, more sunshine and boats being left unused for weeks/months. My boat in Palma can easily lose 5-6kts in as many weeks in high summer. I have my sterngear cleaned by a diver virtually every time I visit my boat
 
Well, if it works a) they'll make a fortune and b) I'll be first in the queue to buy it so please keep us informed
 
I covered my propellers in lanolin last year and it came off quickly. I found the only answer was to scrub the props regularly (easy with an outdrive).

I have been toying with the idea of covering the lower part of the outdrive in a black plastic bag to try and inhibit growth by restricting the light.

BTW the lanolin worked very well on the rest of the outdrive and I intend using it again this year. Any growth disappeared when used.

Mind you, I have no Med experience at all so none of this may apply there.

Tom
 
[ QUOTE ]
I covered my propellers in lanolin last year and it came off quickly.

[/ QUOTE ]
Me to and I'm in the Med. Fortunately I can raise my legs and get to the props (just!) from the bathing platform. Before I leave the boat I give the props a good scrub with the green scotch-brite pads and slap on Lanolin. Of course it all comes off when I next run the boat but they are protected for several months.
 
I understand the logic but not sure if I like the idea of lots of black plastic bags below the water line in the marina, would only take a few to get away and we could all be clearing our raw water intakes on a regular basis!
 
I take your point of course regarding loose black bags floating around.

I was thinking more of a heavy bag with a drawstring, something like the covers seen over propellers when boats are being towed, at the top. I think I will see if I can find anything suitable and give it a go.

Probably only useful when the boat is left for longish periods.

Tom
 
I've wondered about this for a while but never got round to trying it. We're on a drying mooring and I suspect that the skeg will puncture the bag unless it's very strong.
Let me know if you find a suitable bag, please.
 
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