prop cleaning

[stefan_r]

I am trying to clean my props of 12 months of sea growth and muck.

Any suggestions??? I have an angle grinder but am nervous about what grade of grit to use - though sandpaper is the only stuff that will move the cacked on growth.

Any recommendations on methods / grit grade / other ideas??

Cheers
Stef

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Stefan,

Visit your local tool shop and look for a brown pad that looks a bit like the common green plastic kitchen scourers, they are made to remove old gasket material, I have used them props with good results in the past, they last longer than grit and do a lot less damage.

Avagoodweekend........

 

[AndCur]

Hi

I would soak the prop in a bucket of bleach overnight to soften the weed then scrub it with stainless steel wire wool and lots of warm soapy water.

Regards

Andrew

 

[boatmike]

Rather than use abrasive I would try a wire brush, preferably with brass "bristles" Finish with wet and dry by hand, not by machine. The better the finish you achieve the longer it will take for it to foul up next time.

 

[stefan_r]

cheers but t is stuff is so caked on wire brush just isn't shifting it! hence mechanical option. finishing certainly by hand is an option but i need to get to the metal first!!!!

 

[stefan_r]

unfortunately props are 24" so wanted to leave them on shafts....anyway stuff is so caked on i need something mechanical to get to the metal.

I tried nitromors yesterday - no difference !!!!!!

 

[steve28]

there used to be a gadget that consisted of a drum with a series of metal hooks around the outer radius, put it in an electric drill and the wires would strike the surface and beat the material off.

I know its a vague desription but i have used one before on a metal keel with amazing results.

steve

 

[Stemar]

I got something that looks like a very coarse Scotchbright on an arbour for an electric drill from B&Q. It comes in two grades, one for removing paint and the other from removing rust.

I haven't tried them for prop cleaning, but to judge by what they do to paint and othe crud on metal, barnacles and weed wouldn't stand a chance!

Good luck!

 

[stefan_r]

i have seen things like that but worried they will mark / scratch the prop surface and make it even more attractive to our marine wildlife [and easier for them to attach to]!!!!

 

[Shanta]

Hi, We got some stuff here called agua fuerte think it's sulfuric acid or hydrogen peroxide,with water. Works wonders with barnicles if you wash it off quick. Does the jet wash not get most of it off ?

 

[Duncan_Hamble]

Concrete cleaner from a swimming pool shop - should shift the barnacles and scale.

Anything abrasive will just provide a good key for next years growth, unless you spend hours re-polishing the props.

 

[stefan_r]

the stuff you can get from B&Q type idea??? or serious 'special' swimming pool stuff?

 

[shunt]

If its scale rust etc brush on some Rydlyme Marine descaler or put it in a bucket with some diluted. It dissolves the lot and its safe to use. It was recommended to me bya friend so i asked for a sample then bought a couple of litres.
If you want some details have a look at the website www.rydlymemarine.co.uk - and no i dont work for them!

 

[Franklin]

Agua fuerte is hydrochloric acid. Same stuff sold to clean mortar off brickwork or the acid that is added to swimming pools to adjust the ph. Best stuff since sliced cheese

 

[philip_stevens]

It is 8% in water, and excellent in cleaning stains off the deck, and stains from the river water. A gel grp cleaner bought in Aussie - KH Industries - is 10%. So, as you say, an excellent cheap cleaner.

 

[shunt]

Isn't Agua fuerte acid? Not too easy to use safely or dispose of if it is!

 

[philip_stevens]

I may have confused people. The stuff I was talking about was Patio Cleaner from places like B&Q etc., which is 8% hydrochloric acid in water. The KH Industries Gel Coat Cleaner is 10%. So, if places like Aussie allow its use..........

 

[stefan_r]

I have tried the B&Q stuff.....not much of a difference.

Have bought a load of RydLyme and also have some spirit of salts 32% hydrochloric acid (rinse off quickly!!!)

let's see....