Tag Archives: propeller coating

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Are you experiencing a drop in RPM on your high-performance boat? Your propeller might be the culprit. Understanding propeller troubleshooting is essential for maintaining peak performance on the water. Here are five signs indicating fouling issues that could be impacting your propeller’s RPM:

1. Reduced RPM without Engine Changes

If you notice a decrease in RPM without any changes to the engine or throttle settings, it could indicate fouling. This sign often points to a propeller clogged with debris or marine growth.

2. Vibrations During Operation

Excessive vibrations during operation are a clear indicator of propeller issues. Fouling, such as tangled fishing lines or seaweed wrapped around the propeller, can cause these vibrations, affecting RPM.

3. Unusual Noise Levels

An increase in unusual noise levels, such as rattling or humming, could signal fouling problems. Inspect the propeller for foreign objects or damage that might be hindering its performance.

4. Sluggish Acceleration

Fouling can lead to sluggish acceleration, impacting your boat’s ability to reach optimal speeds. If you’re experiencing delayed acceleration despite full throttle, it’s time to inspect the propeller.

5. Decreased Fuel Efficiency

An unexpected decrease in fuel efficiency could be linked to fouling issues with the propeller. When the propeller struggles due to fouling, it requires more power, resulting in increased fuel consumption.

Conclusion: Addressing Fouling Issues for Peak Performance

Maintaining a high-performance boat involves regular propeller maintenance and troubleshooting. If you’re encountering reduced RPM or any of the mentioned signs, promptly inspect the propeller for fouling issues. Clearing debris, cleaning the propeller, or seeking professional assistance can restore optimal RPM and performance.

In summary, understanding the signs of fouling issues affecting your propeller’s RPM is crucial for ensuring your high-performance boat operates at its best. Keep an eye out for these indicators and address any fouling promptly to enjoy smooth and efficient sailing experiences.

PropGlide® provides a highly effective solution to address propeller problems caused by fouling. PropGlide® specialized product is designed to prevent marine growth from adhering to propellers, significantly reducing fouling-related issues and their impact on propeller performance.

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Antifouling Paint or Prop Glide for Outdrives?

PropGlide

Which method of protective propeller coating is best for your boat? While there is no right or wrong solution, there are a few things to consider before making your decision.

Important questions to ask:

  1. Do you haul and repaint your boat every year?
  2. Does the prop see regular use?

Antifouling Paint – If you answered NO to the second question, you will likely be better off with traditional antifouling paint protecting your outdrive. Slick film coatings need to see regular use in order to repel fouling successfully. And if you answered YES to the first question, the additional cost of slick film coatings may not be worth it for you.

Which antifouling products are recommended for outdrives? Here are two good options.

Tuff Stuff Epoxy Primer

Option 1 – Apply Tuff Stuff epoxy primer (or similar primer) direct to the metal. Paint over with a copper free bottom paint such as Colorkote. (It is very important to only use a copper-free bottom paint. Copper-based paints on underwater metals will experience galvanic corrosion.) This option guarantees the best protection and longest lasting coverage, but the paint will need to be recoated each season depending on prop usage.

Barnacle Barrier

Option 2 – Apply an aerosol underwater metal coating such as Barnacle Blocker or Pettit Barnacle Barrier. These are relatively inexpensive coatings that could provide a large amount of pay off.

PropGlide™ Propeller and Running Gear Coatings – If you answered YES to the second question above then you may want to give foul-release systems a try. These are non-toxic, slick coatings that prevent growth from attaching itself to the prop and running gear, thus improving your boat speed and fuel efficiency. It is important to note that for PropGlide to keep its slick quality and repel fouling, the prop needs to see regular use. Without the pesticide coatings of traditional bottom paint, a stationary prop is an easy target for barnacles and other organisms. While slick film coatings may not be the solution for all boaters, many have tried it and had great success. Note what some PropGlide users have stated below.

“For over a year, we at the Big Boat Shed ship repair and storage yard for vessels up to 60ft have been trialing out PropGlide. We have found it very user friendly and has a better finish when compared to its competitors. With our tropical humid conditions we could not have asked for a better drying time then what PropGlide offers. This allows us to plan prepare and execute any prop coating task with PropGlide such a breeze. PropGlide is now our main recommended brand for propeller and running gear antifouling coatings.” 3/8/2017

“We applied PropGlide to the propellers and rudders on our 42′ power catamaran in March 2016. We have found excellent results so far with very little growth appearing on the running gear. We have been able to maintain great boat speed, excellent economy and no vibrations unlike previous years with using other products. Our Applicator has even commentated how much easier PropGlide is to apply compared to its competitors.” Mick Malone 9/28/2016

Click this link to compare the price of Propspeed kits and PropGlide™ Propeller Paint Kits.
Click this link to read about Painting an Aluminum Outdrive

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