Propspeed
Antifouling System For Propellers & Underwater Metals
Less fuel, less work, more speed, more fun!
Propspeed is a highly-effective foul release coating system for propellers and running gear. It's designed to increase a vessel's fuel efficiency and speed by forming a super-slick coating that fouling organisms like barnacles and weeds are not able to bond to. It works because it's slick, not toxic to marine life (unlike conventional antifouling coatings).
Propspeed can be used on boats of all sizes and types—both commercial and recreational—including sailbboats, cruisers, sport-fishers, superyachts, patrol boats, tugboats, trawlers, and ferries. It's very effective on these and other underwater metal surfaces:
- Shafts
- Propellers
- Rudders
- Bow thrusters
- Struts
- Stabilizers
- Trim tabs
- Sail drives
- Keel coolers
- Sea strainers
- Sea chests
- Through hull fittings
How to Apply
The system consists of five products used in five separate stages: Preparing the Metal Surface, Cleaning, Conditioning, Apply Etching Primer, & Apply Clear Top Coat.
Application requires planning to ensure you have all the necessary applicationequipment and that you understand the process thoroughly.
- Use a DA sander and 80-grit sandpaper or use Propstrip to prepare the metal surface.
- Wipe the surface clean with Propclean.
- Use Propprep to condition the metal surface.
- Apply two coats of the Metal etching primer.
- Apply one coat of the Clear coat top coat.
Timing is Critical to Paint Application Success
The process of applying Propspeed must be well planned due to times in between coats and may require two persons to apply. In order to achieve the required chemical bond between coats, the timing of each coat is critical.
- Apply the 1st coat of Etching Primer as soon as possible after treating the surface with Propprep, definitely within 4 hours.
- Once you've applied the 1st coat of Etching Primer, wait approximately 3-5 minutes until the surface is dry to the touch before applying the 2nd coat. To test readiness for the 2nd coat, touch the tip of your gloved index finger gently to the wet primer. If you're able to see a small print on the primed surface, but there's no etching primer on the fingertip of your glove, you can begin to apply the 2nd coat.
Using 80°F as an example, you have 3-5 minutes from the start of applying the 1st coat of Etching Primer to the start of applying the 2nd coat. Warmer temperatures will speed up the recoat time; cooler temperatures will slow down the recoat time between the 2 coats of etching primer. - After applying the 2nd coat of Etching Primer, the 3-5 minute wait time applies here, too. After 3-5 minutes (@80°F, 85% RH), use the dry to touch test described above to check to see that the Etching Primer has dried sufficiently. Apply the Clear Coat with a brush only—DO NOT use a foam roller.
- Before launching, Propspeed requires a minimum of 8 hours to dry. In colder temperatures (40-60°F), allow at least 24 hours drying time before launching.
Unlike conventional antifouling bottom paints,the effectiveness of Propspeed isn't affected adversely by sitting out of water for extended time periods in either cold or warm climates. Just be sure to protect any Propspeed-coated areas from damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Propspeed work?
Propspeed is a foul-release coating, not an antifouling paint, so it doesn't harm marine life. The top coat is an ultra-slick surface that marine growth can't grip. Propspeed's effectiveness does depend on movement of your boat—the more you use it, the better it performs. Propspeed sets itself apart from the competition with the exceptionally strong chemical and physical bond between the metal substrate, the primer, and the top coat to ensure that the antifouling coating actually stays on your running gear.
Can Propspeed protect against Zebra mussels and other freshwater growth?
Propspeed can be used successfully in fresh or salt water. As it's a foul release, not a biocide or antifouling paint, Propspeed relies on a slick surface—it doesn't matter what sort of marine growth you have, it won't be able to get a grip.
What parts on the bottom of the boat can be coated with Propspeed?
What sort of maintenance does Propspeed need?
None. The foul-release formulation is self-cleaning as soon as the propeller starts up. If required, a light wipe with a non-abrasive cloth will remove any marine growth. When hauling out, ensure an y metals this coating are wiped down with a non-abrasive cloth before any marine growth on the surface can dry. Water-blasting, scraping, and other abrasive cleaning will damage the top coat and eliminate its effectiveness.
Will Propspeed affect the life of my sacrificial anodes?
The application greatly reduces the wetted metal surface, and the positive outcome is an increase in vessel speed with lower RPMs, improved fuel economy, and improved protection from stray current damage, resulting in longer sacrificial anode life. Propspeed customers have reported a dramatic reduction in corrosion to underwater metals, and their sacrificial anodes are lasting longer.
How long after application until I can launch my boat?
A minimum of eight hours drying time is required after the final coat. This is based on an average air temperature of 15 deg C, or 59 deg F. If the air temperature is colder than this, a minimum of 24 hours curing time is recommended.
How environmentally friendly is this system?
Very. Propspeed contains no copper, tin, or any other toxic substances harmful to marine life.
How long does the coaitng last?
At least a year, but many customers report another one or even two years service life. This depends on the sort of marine environment your boat is moored in, the water temperature, and how often you use the boat.
Will Propspeed lose its effectiveness if my boat is out of the water for a period of time?
No, provided the only maintenance is a light wiping with a non-abrasive cloth, the boat can be hauled and launched multiple times, or left out for long periods without affecting the performance of Propspeed. If you are having the bottom of the boat high pressure washed, it is important to cover any coated parts.
What is the shelf life of Propspeed?
All kits have a shelf life of 3 years from date of manufacture. The date of manufacture should be labeled clearly on your kit and components.
Can I apply Propspeed myself?
The 200mL and 500mL kits are DIY-ready and you can get great results provided all steps are followed completely and carefully. For best results, Propspeed recommends that the system is applied by a trained applicator.
