SHOULD I ANTIFOUL THE PROPSHAFT?

[paulsmith]

I'm in the process of anti fouling my boat with international one coat as a can was kindly passed on from the previous owner. However I'm puzzled as to why he didn't paint the S.S. prop shaft but did paint the S.S. nut on the end (the one that holds the prop on) I have during lay up fitted a shaft anode to protect the prop but should I anti foul the shaft or not, and if not why not?
any thoughts
Paul

 

[ZuidWester]

Don\'t do it!

Paint's too expensive.
No need to protect stainless anyway.
What's antifowl for anyway?
It stops things growing on your hull.
A prop shaft is no home for such things.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jfkal]

Re: Don\'t do it!

Disagree. Mine looked like a christmas tree (not as pretty but as thick).
Advise against antifouling. A good go with a scraper ane every six month does the job. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Swagman]

Re: Don\'t do it!

Agree with the other two - do not bother.
I find it best to really polish the shaft (yes - stainless polish) and make it as slippery as poss so the little buggers can't take hold.
Do not use wet / dry etc as any fine scratches give them the toe hold they need.
And whilst in the area - do the same with the prop and then use an indelible whiteboard pen to scribble all over it. May sound absolutely daft - but I've seen my prop remain free of growth after trying this tip myself.

 

[asj1]

Re: Don\'t do it!

What exactly is wrong with antifouling the prop shaft , and prop for that matter, - having bought antifould for the hull there is always enough left for the few sqaure feet that these things involve - so why not?

I am interested as I have the same issue - will finis antifouling next w/e, having started this Saturday until stopped by yet more snow

 

[Swagman]

Re: Don\'t do it!

I've found antipfouling quickly comes off a prop - even on a yacht - and when one has a folding / feathering prop - growth is not condusive to it folding / feathering correctly.

 

[Kylora]

I always thought that stainless steel needed to be exposed to oxygen so that the finish could 'self heal' through the chromium content and so shouldn't be covered.
Ash

 

[PaulR]

Re: Don\'t do it!

sounds intruiging as our stainless shaft definitely gets fouled and I have tried on our bronze? 2 blader folder:-

1. high polish and leave it bare
2 hard antifouling
3 black stove polish stuff
4 lanolin

none have been particularly better than any of the others so intruiged by swagman comment about polishing then using "indelible white board pen", swagman can you clarify what you mean- I thought white board pens were water washable- do you mean use an indelible marker pen?

keen to find something that works and boat back in on friday am so couple of days to decide?