It is widely accepted that a build up of marine life on the surface of a boat’s propeller and drive shaft negatively impacts engine efficiency and performance. Even if the prop has a thin layer of growth on it’s surface area, fuel efficiency is reduced by a significant amount. To counter this problem, engineers have turned to developing “super-slick” coatings. When the drive is engaged, and the prop begins to move, any organisms attempting to adhere to the prop simply slide right off! No chemicals are used to poison or kill the organisms in the environment.
How do PropOne* and PropGlide compare?
Which coating gives you the most bang for your buck?
PropGlide is much newer to the market than PropOne, but has been in development for over ten years. Being new to the slick coating market, PropGlide appears to be able to avoid slipping into the same ruts that their competitors have. The biggest obstacle for PropOne is the cost. Comparing the two products at price point, PropGlide is about 30% less expensive and offers 25% more product. That’s 2 strikes for PropOne right off the bat. PropOne is available in the following sizes: 1000mL, 500mL, and 250mL. On the other hand PropGlide offers a size larger than PropOne’s 1000mL and still manages a lower cost. Also PropGlide offers a size smaller than PropOne’s 250mL for sailboat owners who don’t need the larger quantities of product. (For more information on choosing the right size of PropGlide, see this Coverage Chart.)
In terms of performance, both slick coatings are equally good. They do the job and do it well. It is too early to say which product will outlast the other in the minds of consumers. But for right now, we recommend PropGlide as opposed to PropOne. The savings alone makes PropGlide worth every penny.
*PropOne was formerly known as PropGold. It is essentially the same product, just a different brand name.
**This PropOne review and PropGlide review is the sole opinion of BottomPaintStore.com
***Above PropOne prices and PropGlide Prices are based on internet web search December 2016.
Foul Release Systems Like Propspeedand PropGlideprovide the best solution to keeping growth of your props and running gear. While these are not antifouling prop paints, they do keep the growth off buy creating a super slippery surface that the marine growth cannot stick to. Propspeedrecommends that their kits by applied by a professional Propspeed applicator. On the other hand, PropGlideis available for any DIY applicator and is 30%+ less and more product for the money. If you want to apply this yourself, be sure to follow the details in the respective application manuals. You can find these on any of the Propeller Foul Release Kitlisted on our website. PropGlideis newer to the market, but been in development for over ten years, whilePropspeed has been available for many years and is the leading brand name in the market place. The biggest issue with Propspeedis the cost. Very expensive! PropGlideis also expensive but 30% less than Propspeed. In addition, you get 25% more product with PropGlide, so be sure to get the right size. You might be able to use a smaller size kit with PropGlidewhich could then save you over 50%! You can find the comparison on PropGlide’s web site: Propspeed Compared
Performance of both coatings has been comparable, with much fewer complaints about PropGlide Either they are just newer in the market with less complaints, or they truly have improved performance. Time will tell. At this point we recommend trying PropGlideas a Propspeed alternative – since there is comparable performance with Propspeed, the cost savings alone is worth it! And PropGlide offers a sailboat size kit making it affordable now for sailboat owners.
This Propspeed review and PropGlide review is the sole opinion of BottomPaintStore.com
Note: Propspeed™ is a registered trademark of Oceanmax. Bottom Paint Store is not affiliated with Propspeed or Oceanmax in anyway. Above Propspeed prices and PropGlide prices are based on internet web search October 2016 .
So you have gone to the expense of applying bottom paint to your boat, and now you have to ask the question “what about propeller paint and running gear paint? Just like the rest of the bottom of the boat, marine growth will cover the props and running gear if left unprotected. This will lead to loss of power and speed. With severe growth, you can even lose the ability to get the boat on plane.
There are a few options for keeping growth off your propellers and running gear and we will explore advantages and disadvantages for applying various coatings to your propellers and running gear. Keep in mind that when you paint props and running gear they are under extreme conditions with speed, cavitation, electrolysis and environmental conditions ( like running through sand or hitting ground or objects). These can cause the same result as sandblasting your running gear – something you will want to avoid after you choose a coating!
Foul release coatings are very smooth, extremely low friction coatings typically based on silicone or fluoropolymers. The combination of low friction and low surface energy is the physical mechanism behind its fouling release. In addition to preventing biofouling, they increase fuel efficiency by providing more efficiencies to the engine and therefore less fuel is burned resulting in cost savings.
Advantages: Best adhesion, best performance, actual increase in speed, lowest risk of electrolysis issues, non-toxic Disadvantages: Higher Cost, Environmental Variables (sand, running aground), Detailed application
Foul Release Systems provide the best solution to keeping growth of your props and running gear. While these are not antifouling prop paints, they do keep the growth off buy creating a super slippery surface that the marine growth cannot stick to. Propspeed recommends that their kits by applied by a professional Propspeed applicator. On the other hand, PropGlideis available for any DIY applicator and is less costly and more product for the money. If you want to apply this yourself, be sure to follow the details in the respective application manuals. You can find these on any of the Propeller Foul Release Kit listed on our website.
PropGlide and Propspeed are foul release systems that are applied to underwater metals including props and running gears. These foul release coatings are sold in kits ranging from 175ML, 200ML, 500ML, and 1000ML Kits. You can view the all of our Foul Release Coatings to determine which kit size if right for you.
2. Paint the Props and Running Gear with Bottom Paint
Applying bottom paint to your underwater gear is a little tricky because there are additional steps that must be taken before applying the bottom paint. Especially if you have a fiberglass boat. Most bottom paints contain copper that act as a biocide and prevent growth. However, when applying bottom paint (with copper) to metal, you create a battery effect with the metal on metal. This leads to electrolysis and pitting of your props and running gear. Follow these basic steps before going with this option.
Basic Steps
Prep: Make sure to remove all prior coatings and contaminants prior to applying any coatings. The should be done by a sandblasting, soda blasting, or a good ole fashioned sanding. The recommended grit and profile should be 80 grit. This will provide a efficient surface for the new coating to adhere.
Bottom Paint: Apply a hard modified epoxy bottom paint with not too high a load of copper. Sea Hawk Sharkskin hard paint is a great choice! The epoxy primer will insulate the copper bottom paint from the metal of the props and running gear (remember the battery effect!) If you are concerned about electrolysis or already have some issues, then you should use a copper free bottom paint. The only true metal free bottom paint that we found and that still is effective in preventing growth is Sea Hawk Smart Solution. Either way, be sure to apply the first coat of bottom paint the same day as the 2nd coat of epoxy primer. If you don’t, it will not stick!
There are a few aerosol spray systems that can be used, but these are generally ineffective for props and running gear, and are reserved for outdrive applications. These include Interlux Trilux 33 and Primocon, Pettit Alumaspray and Prop Coat Barnacle Barrier, and the Sea Hawk Premium Outdrive Kit that contains Smart Solution (brush on Pint) and Barnacle Blocker. Our advice is to save your money before applying these to props and running gear.
Note: Propspeed™ is a registered trademark of Oceanmax. Bottom Paint Store is not affiliated with Propspeed or Oceanmax in anyway. Above Propspeed prices and PropGlide Prices are based on internet web search October 2016 .
PropGlide is much newer to the market than PropOne, but has been in development for over ten years. Being new to the slick coating market, PropGlide appears to be able to avoid slipping into the same ruts that their competitors have. The biggest obstacle for PropOne is the cost. Comparing the two products at price point, PropGlide is about 30% less expensive and offers 25% more product. That’s 2 strikes for PropOne right off the bat. PropOne is available in the following sizes: 1000mL, 500mL, and 250mL. On the other hand PropGlide offers a size larger than PropOne’s 1000mL and still manages a lower cost. Also PropGlide offers a size smaller than PropOne’s 250mL for sailboat owners who don’t need the larger quantities of product. (For more information on choosing the right size of PropGlide, see this Coverage Chart.)
In terms of performance, both slick coatings are equally good. They do the job and do it well. It is too early to say which product will outlast the other in the minds of consumers. But for right now, we recommend PropGlide as opposed to PropOne. The savings alone makes PropGlide worth every penny.
Foul Release Systems Like 
Primer: Apply a 
running gear (remember the battery effect!) If you are concerned about electrolysis or already have some issues, then you should use a copper free bottom paint. The only true metal free bottom paint that we found and that still is effective in preventing growth is 
Advantages: Lowest cost option