Whether you have a vessel for pleasure or for work, one thing is true: a fouled prop is a nightmare to deal with. Luckily, there is a foul-release system designed to keep your propeller clean as a whistle, ensuring you have a great day on the water every time you embark.
That system is called Propspeed. In today’s blog post, we’re reviewing everything boaters need to know about Propspeed coating, from the problems it addresses to how it’s applied by the team at Gloss Boats Marine Spraying.
What is Propspeed?
Propspeed antifouling coating is a foul-release coating system specifically designed to work on propellers, running gear, and other underwater metal components. After a long time stationary or many days without dry docking, these metal components can become homes for algae, barnacles, and other marine life. As this builds up, it can cause all sorts of issues, including a fouled prop.
Propspeed coating comes in two parts: a base primer that bonds to the metal and a clear topcoat that creates a slick surface. That extra-slick surface is the key. While other antifouling paints or coatings rely on biocides to kill any marine life that tries to cling onto the prop, Propspeed simply makes the prop too slippery for anything to get a good hold.
This serves two purposes: keeping your prop free of build-up while ensuring there’s no harmful impact on the ocean’s ecosystem from the introduction of biocides.
How is Propspeed Applied?
While it might sound simple, applying a Propspeed antifouling coating is actually a specialised process that requires an experienced team to complete. At Gloss Boats Marine, our five-step process looks like this:
1. Dry docking. Propspeed must be applied to a dry surface and cured for a long time, so the first step is to dry dock your vessel and let it air dry sufficiently.
2. Surface preparation. The next step is to make sure any old coatings, corrosion, or contaminants are removed from the prop’s surface. We generally do this by cleaning and sandblasting the prop to ensure it’s ready to go.
3. Primer application. The first layer of Propspeed antifouling is the primer, which is designed to provide as much adhesion as possible between the metal and the clear topcoat. The primer also pulls double duty, providing an extra layer of protection against rust.
4. Topcoat application. After the primer comes the Propspeed coating, which is silicone-based, to produce that characteristic slipperiness.
5. Curing. Finally, Propspeed coating must be allowed to cure for a minimum of eight hours, though we generally leave it for up to 48 hours to ensure it’s fully cured before heading back out to sea.
With the groundwork laid and all these questions about Propspeed antifouling answered, there’s only one question left to answer…
How Does Propspeed Keep Your Propeller Running Freely?
This foul-release coating system is internationally recognised as the best solution for propeller protection because it provides a variety of benefits, not just antifouling.
Prevents Marine Growth
The primary benefit of using a Propspeed coating system is that it discourages marine organisms like barnacles, slime, and algae from growing on your prop. A build-up over time can cause some serious issues and be much harder to resolve while in the middle of a trip out to sea, so it’s important to get ahead of it.
Reduces Drag
The silicone-based formula of Propspeed antifouling solution also makes it a great choice for reducing drag in the water. A clean prop slips easily through the water, increasing your speed while decreasing your vessel’s fuel consumption.
Extends the Lifespan of Your Prop
Finally, a high-quality marine coating of any kind will help to protect your metal components. Thanks to Propspeed’s hardy primer, your prop will be less likely to corrode or degrade while in the water.
At the end of the day, a fouled propeller will cost you. From fuel to cruising speed to your stress levels, fouled props are well-known for ruining days all over the ocean. That’s why investing in a high-quality, long-lasting solution like Propspeed coating is the best way to make sure you can enjoy your time on the water every time.
Choose Gloss Boats Marine Spraying for all your Propspeed antifouling needs.
Keep your propeller clean and ready for your journeys at sea, thanks to the team at Gloss Marine Boat Spraying. We have extensive experience helping boaters improve their vessels’ performance with this internationally recognised foul-release system.
Get in touch today to ask us for an estimate for your vessel.