[julia6roberts]

Option 1:Blast the prop to bare metal, prime with Interlux Interprotect or a similar barrier-coat epoxy, and then paint with a conventional hard bottom paint. (Although the epoxy theoretically prevents galvanic reaction between dissimilar metals, copper-based paints are to be avoided.) The trick with using a conventional bottom paint (sprays like Interlux Trilux 33 or Pettit Alumaspray are easier to apply) is getting it to adhere, thus the epoxy primer. Although there are options other than epoxy for priming a prop, because of health concerns, these etching primers are not considered do-it-yourself friendly (although they were used that way for years).

[leopoldo78fa]

For previous articles on this topic check out our report on the dedicated propeller paint PropSpeed (seePSFebruary 2014 online), and a more detailed report on prop paints in general (seePS July 2010 online). more

[Confiscative]

Yes, you can paint a bronze propeller with conventional, copper-based hull paint, but it wont do much good, since the more noble metals in the bronze prop will eventually waste away the copper biocide. Don’t even think about painting an aluminum outdrives or prop with a copper paint, or the reverse will occur-the more noble copper will attack the outdrive alloys. Even with the right preparation, regular bottom paint tends to wear quickly on a prop due to increased water friction.

[jasonlandmark66]

We also looked at Mussel Buster (seePS October 2011 online), a baked-on powder coating that, like PropSpeed, relies on its slick, hard coating (as opposed to biocide) to prevent barnacles from adhering. Other products our testers tried include Feldtens Nano propeller spray treatment, an inexpensive product that appeared no more effective than others. Like other prop paints we have tested, both the Prop One (formerly Prop Gold) and Velux Plus showed signs of failure after less than six months of use. The Velox Plus (primed, left, and painted, middle) began to flake off the prop (right), but it was still fighting barnacles. more

[corwin78]

Lately, we have advised sailors to take one of two options: [links]

[UnWar]

Practical Sailors search for longer lasting prop paints has led us down many rabbit holes, we’ve experimented with several different prop paints with varying degrees of success, although none of the results so far have been dazzling. Some of our testers have had better success with dedicated slick prop paints such as PropSpeed. In our testing, however, mostly in Chesapeake Bay, no prop paint had lived up to our increasingly faint hope that the paint repel growth as effectively as our hull paint. here

[im3w1l]

Folding props require special attention. Neeves three-bladed folding Volvo prop needs to be completely removed to replace the sail drive anode. The prop assembly consists of 16 pieces, plus one saildrive anode, two bolts, three segmented hub anodes, and three Allen bolts. Each blade and hinge pin are marked so that the blades are returned to the exact same spot of the hub. Disassembly and re-assembly is not difficult-but does call for patience. here

[Zerbie]

After 21 months, the two products again performed similarly. There were a few more barnacles on the Prop Gold, but they were small and isolated. Both props had soft growth that was easily wiped off. In Neeves view, both products lived up to expectations of 24-month protection, with Velox performing slightly better.

[kpoirier]

Prop One also supplies an acid wash to complete the prep work, something that the makers of Velox discourage. After Neeves acid-cleaned the prop, he again lightly abraded it and rinsed well with water. (Prop Speed does not mention an acid-wash prep, although this would seem advisable.) here

[leoragraves666]

In this report, we detail the results of Neeves most recent test-a comparison of Velox and Prop One. Like conventional bottom paint, Velox relies on biocides to fight marine growth. Prop One, like Prop Speed, is characterized as a foul-release coating-sometimes called a fluoropolymeric or silicone paint. It contains polytetrafluoroethylene (Dupont brand Teflon). Prop One depends on its rubbery, slick surface coating surface to prevent barnacles from latching on.

[nikitakit]

For the past few years, Neeves has been trying to find a paint for props, saildrives, and running gear that matches the life of the antifouling on his hull. The seasonal sailor who hauls and paints every year doesn’t need this level of performance, but for a year-round sailor, a good multi-season prop paint can yield big savings.

[obinine]

If your prop shaft and the seal are still in good condition, remember to reapply grease. This helps to keep the area well lubricated and running well. When you re-install your propeller, make sure the nut is tight and enough, while a new cotter pin should keep things in place. more

[fenpark15]

Your boat's maintenance schedule is unique to the type of vessel you own. It's best to check your engine manual and take note of how often you should be maintaining your propellers and the prop shaft.

[lobo235]

Don't make the mistake of overlooking your propellers. Here are simple maintenance tips to practice on a regular basis.

[rodrick3nie]

Your boat propellers withstand tremendous amounts of force when they're in the water. This, in itself, can wear them down over time. But if your blades have a small cuff, this could quickly turn into a small crack. more

[endian7000]

If you are re-applying Prop Speed or Prop Gold you need to strip off the old coating and get down to bare abraded metal every time you apply a new coating. If you are re-applying Velox, you can lightly sand the old paint using 120- grit sandpaper, re-apply primer where necessary and re-coat with the topcoats. [links]

[eurekafag]

In this report, we detail the results of Neeves most recent test-a comparison of Velox and Prop One. Like conventional bottom paint, Velox relies on biocides to fight marine growth. Prop One, like Prop Speed, is characterized as a foul-release coating-sometimes called a fluoropolymeric or silicone paint. It contains polytetrafluoroethylene (Dupont brand Teflon). Prop One depends on its rubbery, slick surface coating surface to prevent barnacles from latching on.

[SergGT]

Yes, you can paint a bronze propeller with conventional, copper-based hull paint, but it wont do much good, since the more noble metals in the bronze prop will eventually waste away the copper biocide. Dont even think about painting an aluminum outdrives or prop with a copper paint, or the reverse will occur-the more noble copper will attack the outdrive alloys. Even with the right preparation, regular bottom paint tends to wear quickly on a prop due to increased water friction.

[Dekember]

Prop One also supplies an acid wash to complete the prep work, something that the makers of Velox discourage. After Neeves acid-cleaned the prop, he again lightly abraded it and rinsed well with water. (Prop Speed does not mention an acid-wash prep, although this would seem advisable.)