Anyone have glowing recommendation for applying Prop Speed Coating?

Carpediem44DB

Well-Known Member
Aug 18, 2015
3,230
Sanfransico Bay area
Boat Info
2000 Carver 506
2006 44 DB Sedan Bridge
Engines
Volvo TAMD 74 P
We are selling the 44 and both surveys came back with only the most minor repairs. We agreed to pay for the bottom paint since it was time for that anyway. The buyers are considering having the props and shafts coated with Prop Speed while the boat is on the hard.
Does anyone here have it applied and consider it money worth spending? The 44 has been in salt forward brackish water for four years with quarterly bottom cleaning done. There was some staining and marine growth on the gear but not excessive. The boat is going to live in a rather 'hot' salt water marina in the SF Bay.
Any input would be appreciated, Thanks
Carpe Diem
 
I had on the bottom of my boat. As soon as the running gear is cleaned, it is gone. Not worth the cost. JMTC
 
I’ve been running a prop Speed since 2007 on two SRs I’ve owed and find it well worth the cost. I average typically 3000nm a year with +- 200hrs. No factual documentation to show for it but boat wise it’s all about how you want to roll IMHO.
 
The Rustoleum Cold Zinc spray is used a lot down here in NE FL. Under $8 per can & I used 3 cans for the two props, rudders, etc.
zinc.GIF
I just started using it on the recommendation of folks here at CSR and local charter fishing captains. One charter boat was on the hard next to mine and we both were using it. The charter captain said it works better than prop speed at a fraction of the cost. Contrast that with the reaction of my mechanic and the diver who cleans the boat monthly, both never heard of it and both doubted it will work. Certainly the bottom paint on the running gear did not work. The charter captain said barnacles don't grow on his zinc-coated running gear.

Haulout next summer will be the proof of the pudding.
 
I've been using Propspeed for about 12 years and it has worked very well for me. I do use a diver who typically says the running gear is much easier to clean than the hull. I try to maintain a 4-year cycle for bottom painting and leave the boat in the water year-round. I just had a short haul after two years because I was concerned about this season reportedly (by my diver and others) being particularly bad barnacle-wise. The hull needed a coat of paint but the running gear didn't. I will say that preparation is apparently key to getting good performance so if the new owner goes this route, they need to make sure the yard is both experienced and meticulous.
 
I've been using Propspeed for about 12 years and it has worked very well for me. I do use a diver who typically says the running gear is much easier to clean than the hull. I try to maintain a 4-year cycle for bottom painting and leave the boat in the water year-round. I just had a short haul after two years because I was concerned about this season reportedly (by my diver and others) being particularly bad barnacle-wise. The hull needed a coat of paint but the running gear didn't. I will say that preparation is apparently key to getting good performance so if the new owner goes this route, they need to make sure the yard is both experienced and meticulous.
Thanks for the input, Do you mind sharing what you typically pay for your yard to apply the prop speed? I think out here in Ca the typical charge is in the neighborhood of $900.
Carpe Diem
 
Thanks for the input, Do you mind sharing what you typically pay for your yard to apply the prop speed? I think out here in Ca the typical charge is in the neighborhood of $900.
Carpe Diem
I paid $533.88 for my last application, $225 for labor and the rest for materials.
 
Is this or can it be a do it yourself job applying prop speed? Of course following all the right steps for prep and applying the material.
 
Is this or can it be a do it yourself job applying prop speed? Of course following all the right steps for prep and applying the material.
You can buy the materials from marine suppliers and there are detailed procedures at propspeed.com so yes.
 
The Rustoleum Cold Zinc spray is used a lot down here in NE FL. Under $8 per can & I used 3 cans for the two props, rudders, etc.
View attachment 93519
I just started using it on the recommendation of folks here at CSR and local charter fishing captains. One charter boat was on the hard next to mine and we both were using it. The charter captain said it works better than prop speed at a fraction of the cost. Contrast that with the reaction of my mechanic and the diver who cleans the boat monthly, both never heard of it and both doubted it will work. Certainly the bottom paint on the running gear did not work. The charter captain said barnacles don't grow on his zinc-coated running gear.

Haulout next summer will be the proof of the pudding.
GIANT +1 !!
 
Thanks for the input, Do you mind sharing what you typically pay for your yard to apply the prop speed? I think out here in Ca the typical charge is in the neighborhood of $900.
Carpe Diem
I just had it done last month. Cost here was $900. That was for 1 "kit", including all prep and application by the yard. There was enough leftover to cover the trim tabs, so the tech included them.
My first time using it so nothing to report yet, besides that it looks pretty.
 
I can say it works well in south Florida, Last boat was good for 2 years and no growth.
 
image0.jpeg
image1.jpeg
image2.jpeg
Here they are. One season with rust oleum. this is BEFORE power washing.
 
Riptide, Dartmouth, MA area has considerably cooling boating water temperatures than most of us run in.

I’ve been running Prop Speed since 2007 between KW & the Chesapeake Bay Areas and with warm weather/water temperatures the growth on most running gears I see look like a disaster area. I average about 3,000 nm per year and the more often you’re moving the better any running gear should look.

My Port slip is <150’ from the lift slip one of Zimmerman’s yard uses so I see a lot of boats being hauled.

IMHO from what I’ve seen & experienced I believe in Prop Speed. I should also say I put Prop Glob on this time as its new and thought I try it out.
 
Riptide, Dartmouth, MA area has considerably cooling boating water temperatures than most of us run in.

I’ve been running Prop Speed since 2007 between KW & the Chesapeake Bay Areas and with warm weather/water temperatures the growth on most running gears I see look like a disaster area. I average about 3,000 nm per year and the more often you’re moving the better any running gear should look.

My Port slip is <150’ from the lift slip one of Zimmerman’s yard uses so I see a lot of boats being hauled.

IMHO from what I’ve seen & experienced I believe in Prop Speed. I should also say I put Prop Glob on this time as its new and thought I try it out.
I don’t know what you are getting at? Yes warmer but we still grow a lot of barnacles grass etc. I can only speak of my area. I have used trilux 33 with very poor results. Never Prop Speed. The galvanized paint is becoming the norm for the boat yards up here. There is a reason why. At less than $9 a can, it merits looking into before spending a fortune on other products. What do you have to lose? P.S. I’m <149’ from the lift so I’ve seen more boats than you
 
I don’t know what you are getting at? Yes warmer but we still grow a lot of barnacles grass etc. I can only speak of my area. I have used trilux 33 with very poor results. Never Prop Speed. The galvanized paint is becoming the norm for the boat yards up here. There is a reason why. At less than $9 a can, it merits looking into before spending a fortune on other products. What do you have to lose? P.S. I’m <149’ from the lift so I’ve seen more boats than you
Riptide, I am going to try the Rustoleom as well. Thanks for the pictures, but looks like you need some prop work.
 
Riptide, Dartmouth, MA area has considerably cooling boating water temperatures than most of us run in.

I’ve been running Prop Speed since 2007 between KW & the Chesapeake Bay Areas and with warm weather/water temperatures the growth on most running gears I see look like a disaster area. I average about 3,000 nm per year and the more often you’re moving the better any running gear should look.

My Port slip is <150’ from the lift slip one of Zimmerman’s yard uses so I see a lot of boats being hauled.

IMHO from what I’ve seen & experienced I believe in Prop Speed. I should also say I put Prop Glob on this time as its new and thought I try it out.

Down here in NE FL, where the water is presumably warmer and supportive or marine life in greater quantities and for longer throughout the year than VA, charter fishing captains use the zinc and say it does a good job for a long time. Lower cost, easier prep. They use their boats a lot, too, and that reduces marine growth as you write above. Boats that sit collect growth.
 

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