Should I antifoul my prop?

[Sans Bateau]

So with the last few jobs to be done before the boat goes into the water, should I antifoul the prop or not? Before you ask it is bronze folding.

What should I use? I would probably just pick up a tin of, is it MPX? Used to be Trilux.

 

[Miker]

I asked Brunton about my autoprop, and they said "No" apart from the bolts around the anode. Their view was that antifouling could increase the chance of elecrolytic action and the best way to keep a prop clean was to use it.

 

[chriscallender]

I've also been told that antifouling causes long term corrosion in bronze (not sure if electrolytic or some other form of chemical attack), and I've seen some evidence which makes me think that is true although no proof as such. Nowadays I also avoid getting antifouling on skin fittings and anything else bronze below the waterline.

Most boats in the yard seem to have non-antifouled props but a/f on skin fittings etc. I guess the thinking being that a spinning prop is a harder place for the beasties and plants to get a grip.

Anyway I also vote no.

Chris

 

[bonny]

I've never antifouled my prop (bronze) and never had a problem, the longest the boat went without use was about 2 months (winter) and 2 weeks (summer).
If you do wish to antifoul then you must use a hard antifouling and not a self eroding on (it wont last).

Would you want to live in a home that spins? saves on drink!

 

[boatmike]

I think it depends on how often you use the boat. I have normally antifouled in the past with Trilux33 when the boat was left on a mud mooring for long periods. Now I intend to live aboard while afloat I shall leave the prop bare as bonny does.
On the other hand if your prop is aluminium rather than bronze I would use Trilux anyway. The corrosion issue Chris mentions I believe only arises if you use copper based AF on aluminium. Trilux is OK.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Thank you all of you. Although I shared your views I just wanted justification.

We have just saved me from another job!