Prop stuff

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Caladh

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What are OP's latest thoughts of putting "stuff" on props to prevent growth - that don't cost an arm and a leg and might actually prevent fouling ? One of the latest wheezes I heard was of using indelible pens but don't know of anyone who's actually tried it. I guess as they're relatively cheap it might be worth a try. Yes I know it's getting near April 1st.
 
I tried some of that pink waxy stuff that you heat up and paint on.

Useless...

On my Kiwi prop the barnacles had stuck the the pink goo and transformed it into an indelible stuff that stayed on when the barnacles came off.
The areas of the prop that were free of pink waxy stuff were also free of fouling.

My excellent Kiwi prop is now coated in left over Kiwi prop grease from its service...
 
Caladh said:
What are OP's latest thoughts of putting "stuff" on props to prevent growth - that don't cost an arm and a leg and might actually prevent fouling ? One of the latest wheezes I heard was of using indelible pens but don't know of anyone who's actually tried it. I guess as they're relatively cheap it might be worth a try. Yes I know it's getting near April 1st.
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I wire brushed mine with a round one in my drill. I then slapped on the bog std antifouling I used on my hull, in this case XM2000.
Its been two years and two lifts. Not a problem! Only thing is my prop is bronze, dunno whether it makes any difference. The year before I had wire brushed and wet and dryed it, at lift time it had white calcified worms on it. Dont see them now!
Stu
 
I've used lanolin for some years, with moderate success. I don't usually notice any performance loss until about September. I was chatting to my neighbour in the yard, who is a retired chandler, and he is using a resin car polish. I am following his advice this year, using AutoGlym polish and finish. I'll certainly go like a bomb for a few weeks.
 
Just put udder cream on my prop - we will see how it goes but it was cheap as chips, in fact free! I will report back at the end of the season.
 
Use, I have found, is the only thing that keeps props clear. Polishing to a high gloss helps.

Vyv's experience was (I believe) that he put on the Hammerite before applying Prop o'Drive and when he came to look at the prop - no Prop o' Drive or barnacles. No doubt he'll be along to confirm.

I can certainly confirm that Prop o'Drive comes off (except where there are barnacles) - Brasso, udder cream both act as excellent polishes.
 
charles_reed said:
Use, I have found, is the only thing that keeps props clear. Polishing to a high gloss helps.

Vyv's experience was (I believe) that he put on the Hammerite before applying Prop o'Drive and when he came to look at the prop - no Prop o' Drive or barnacles. No doubt he'll be along to confirm.

I can certainly confirm that Prop o'Drive comes off (except where there are barnacles) - Brasso, udder cream both act as excellent polishes.
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Have a hunch Vyv is using Velox
 
I have previously used hempel mille outdrive antifouling, without any primer. Worked reasonably well. This year I have used the hammerite special metal primer recommended by Vyv and then the hempel mille, on all the main underwater metal surfaces - prop (bronze, feathering), rudder tip and P shaft bracket (everywhere else is coppercoat). We'll see how we get on.....
 
parsifal said:
Udder cream has been recommended by someone on here. I've never seen a cow with barnacles on its udders so it looks promising :rolleyes:
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May have been me!

I used 'Udder Buddy' (approx £6 for a large tub from Mole Valley Farmers) last year and the prop came out reasonably clean (not unblemished but certainly not fouled), so will be lavishing it on in the next couple of days before launch.

The shaft tube, which I left untreated, was a mussel's paradise.

At least I now know where to get a quick meal if I run out of food on board...
 
oldbilbo said:
Vyv Cox has, in the past, described the primer he uses with success. I've asked him to remind us what it is....
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Here's his reply, and I trust he does not mind me plagiarising his guidance...


Hi Wil,

I used Hammerite special metals primer on both my prop and P-bracket. It has been very successful. I abrade with either 230 or 180 grit wet and dry, only because that's what I have, but it works well.

I have used Velox antifouling, expensive but it really works. Four coats, as recommended, seemed too much and chipped in service whereas two coats the following season didn't chip but repelled the fouling.

Vyv
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Just a thought.... barnacles and mussels have, in the past, set up shop within the through-hulls serving the cockpit drains AND the cooling water intake. They had to be dug out vigorously. Who pastes antifoul paint into those spaces....?
 
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I've posted these before, hope a repetition is in order. Photo 1 first season, four coats of Velox, chipped presumably by cavitation. Photo 2 second season, two coats. Both photographed before pressure washing. In the second photo the P-bracket was treated the same way and the short length of shaft between the prop and P-bracket was left with primer only, as after season 1 it seemed to have antifouling properties of its own. Didn't really work.
IMG_2766.jpg

Velox2ndseason_zpsafce8ccd.jpg
 
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