Prop Antifouling

[Guest]

The Autoprop of my new boat (Med based) is already heavily fouled after only 3 months with hard marine growths. I'm told that no antifouls are available in Europe which will stick to the prop and that the prop will have to be cleaned every 3months or so either by lifting or by sending down a diver. This is going to be very inconvenient and very expensive. Does anyone know of an effective antifouling for props? I didn't have this much trouble with my previous boat but it wasn't an autoprop. I've also heard that effective antifouls for props. do exist for commercial ships but are not allowed for leisure craft.

 

[Guest]

my boat is in chi marina and i have suffered the same problem. people in yhe know in chichester told me to use hard racing antifouling. too early yet to say if it has worked.

 

[chippie]

I dont know what your prop is made from, but I came across an old timer who reckoned the best antifoul for a bronze prop was a product called lanocote which is lanolin based. The prop was removed and cleaned and then simmered in the stuff which seemed to penetrate and prevent adhesion of growth.

 

[Guest]

"Lan-O-Cote" is anhydrous lanolin. At least thats what the product is called and its makeup here in the US.
You may be able to find it as its real name from a pharmacy (druggist/apothecary?) or other source.

I don't know what anti-fouling products you are permitted to use over there...but in general here in the states and
in particular here in Florida we don't paint our props.....paint usually won't stay on for long. I have heard of painting
props with a paint that is almost all copper and it lasted for a long time.

 

[ccscott49]

I use hard racing antifoul on my props, in the med and it stays on. But my props are fixed three blade and only turn at 500 rpm. Thereis some fouling, but very little after 18 months.

 

[jollyjacktar]

Try Teflon

Don't have that problem myself, I rely on sail and the wind and don't have a motor or prop. Someone told me once that he got his prop teflon coated, like the non-stick pots and frying pans. He figured that if a burnt potato or a fried egg would not stick then anything else wouln't either. Just start the motor and off they go. Don't know how it worked out in the long run as he started his motor and off he went. Haven't seen him since.

 

[Adrian_Morgan]

The man at CJR propellers in Southampton once told me that antifouling was very good for his business, as it actively encourages pitting and ensures a constant supply of customers needing replacement. Don't anitfoul, was his advice (though it clearly went against the grain to tell me this).

If you want to slow the growth of fouling on your prop, he said, use thick marine grease. It is as good as anything. It won't last for ever.

Having said that, check with International they don't make a special formula. Also, for fixed props, you can have the prop electro plated with copper (see YM index).

 

[jac]

Re: Try Teflon

How does non-stick stick?

 

[longjohnsilver]

I've also read in the past that lanolin oil or grease is recommended. I covered mine with a thick grease a few years ago and wiped it off leaving a thin layer and that seemed to work as well as anything. This year I didn't put on the grease and I definitely have more fouling. I can say this with confidence as I am a diver and have had to scrub the prop several times within a few months whereas last year I don't recall having to do it at all.

 

[Guest]

I always use GRP mold release wax.Seems to work reasonably well and is freely available.