Serb1980 said..
Tigers, before I put my new prop into the shaft would the prop benefits from 3 coats of clear pain in can from repco? it works well on my outboard!

Appreciate your opinions

Serb

Yeah mate, I'd do 6 coats though - might get 15kph!!

The anode that you are putting on the shaft will protect the prop from electrolysis and the antifoul will keep the growth at bay, prop speed or other antifoul applied as per manufacturers instructions ie priming, drying time before immersion etc is the correct way to do it if you don't want to replace the prop again

Serb, over the years I have read countless threads and posts on other forums by people either enquiring or boasting about all sorts of alternatives to the proprietary products like Propspeed. They've included zinc based paints, heavily scribbled Sharpie, lanolin grease, diy silicone and so on. If any of them were consistently effective, Propspeed etc would not exist because the news would have gotten out and no-one would be needlessly spending a couple of hundred bucks. If you want to try your own experiment go for your life, but just remember that it is just that: an experiment. But if it fails, then as you dive every two weeks or so to clean your prop (because even the slightest fouling will kiss your much-desired 8hp hull-speed bye-bye), you'll have plenty of time to reflect on what you'll be doing next time you slip..........

For the record, my first experience with Propspeed was a failure due to a pitted prop and poor application by a lousy contractor. Lanolin grease was utterly useless and hard hull AF just flaked off. Propspeed applied to the new prop by a good worker has served me well.

Cheers, Graeme

Good morning Serb.
You will get a LOT of replies on this post.
At first you mentioned CLEAR paint ( benefits from 3 coats of clear pain in can from repco)
I thought you were talking about clear lacquer.

As for using zinc spray. You have nothing to loose.
It will either work or it won't and that is my experience with PropSpeed ( professionally applied).

I will be using zinc spray in a month or so . So we can compare success rates. (Japan vs Australia. Cold vs warm water)
As I say it is your choice and nothing to loose.

Here is a link to a bloke in America who has had some success.
www.sailnet.com/threads/a-successful-experiment.340418/#post-2051731644

gary

I'd bitch about the cost of Propspeed every 12-18 months when the boat got pulled for antifoul.
I also never found anyone that found a better solution for protecting your prop.
I hate when you have little or no drive from a dirty prop, instead of relaxing and enjoying the motor/sail I'm gritting my teeth the whole time. The thought of it alone was enough to turn me off moving the boat anywhere.
I'd try saving money elsewhere, but each to their own. I hope it works for you Serb!

Hi Shaggy.
For me it is not about the cost.
It is finding something (anything ) that lasts longer than 3 -4 months where I am located.
This is the prime aquaculture spot in Japan. Oysters, scallops, and variety of seaweed THRIVE here.
Not to mention barnacles!!
There are no bottom cleaning diving services and it is too bloody cold 8 months of the year for me.
So I will pace Serb and see how we go.
If gal spry is worse that propspeed (here) it has to be really bad.

Looks good to me Serb.

gary

Zink

Serb
Can you explain your process again?

Did you spray (grey) zinc ( cold galvanize) paint AND THEN yellow epoxy over that?
The zinc paint is what (theoretically) repels marine growth.
If you coated the gal paint with epoxy paint I can't see your reasoning.

gary

On top of that, it looks sexy

The idea was to make it smooth and every 14 days pass it with a sponge ... at that stage it will be a slime ...I will do my best to keep it ?? %

Serb1980 said..
Unfortunately the cheapest **** bunnings $12 with some epoxy in it....
The whole idea is to skip propspeed quoted 300 bucks and only pay for antifouling this year...and than next pay for both.... this year was heavy on my wallet....

Next time do all the work yourself and get the prop speed off another person or small shipwrights. $100 every time.

herbyburger said..
What's velox like compared to prop speed?

Cant compare as I havn't used prop speed. Velox works OK ( in the Med). Always get some small areas it comes off after 1 season.
All the big motor boats here use prop speed. They say its worth it for the fuel saving.

Ok,
How can I clean an old prop? Send it with sandpaper