Polishing Stainless Steel Props

[Jurgen]

Hi All,

Evenstar is out of the water for her annual check up and maintenance.

On of the things I noticed was how cruddy the props are, I don't mean corroded but bits of cack stuck to them.

I know Ellesar had them polished before I took ownership and was wondering if this is something I can do myself or is it best left to the professionals?

 

[mlines]

http://www.sportsboat.org.uk/index.php/our-boat/service-and-modifications/35-10-08-12-re-furb-a-prop

 

[enterprise]

Hi Jurgen,
To clean use brick cleaner/acid, available at your local B&Q, does a really great job, then polish with a good paste wax like collinite, around 4 coats will last all season.

 

[rafiki_]

Jurgen, there was a thread on her a few days ago about a clear antifoul for your props once cleaned. I think Firefly was the OP. apologies,this doesn't help you clean your props, but might help keep them clean. As others have said, a bit of brick cleaner and elbow grease should do the trick.

 

[Jurgen]

Thanks guy's, was thinking they might have needed to be sent away etc but can do elbow grease

 

[Elessar]

it's depressing how quick they get dirty and astonishing how much a little bit of dirt effects performance.

Regular hanging off the bathing platform with a pan scourer helps stop build up.

Brick cleaner is indeed the way.

 

[Jurgen]

it's depressing how quick they get dirty and astonishing how much a little bit of dirt effects performance.

Regular hanging off the bathing platform with a pan scourer helps stop build up.

Brick cleaner is indeed the way.

Was hoping to get down to Brixham @ the weekend but the white stuff has scuppered that idea so off to LIBS instead, assuming First trains are still running of course.

BTW did Tom get in touch re the UJ.

Andy

 

[Trundlebug]

Brick cleaner is indeed the way.

Is Brick cleaner OK to use on bronze props as well as stainless?

 

[Pennpromo]

brick cleaner works well, alternatively I find that kettle de-scaler is pretty good too.
Even if you mirror polish them they will still attract crud over the course of a year or so under water. Stainless is just not slippery enough to let it slide off.

 

[sharpness]

Assuming Brick Cleaner can also be used to clean up shafts on shaft driven boats, do you have to ensure the rubber on the cutlass bearings in the p brackets are protected from the Brick Cleaner/acid solution, or does it not make any difference ?

 

[longjohnsilver]

Brick cleaner works fine on shafts but I've been careful near bearings, no idea if it will harm them but why take the chance, just scrape the area instead.