Prop protection

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 1:16 am

I'm getting close to re-launching the Vega. Every time I walk into the boat shed I'm at eye level with the nice shiny bronze prop, and I wonder if there is some way to protect it. Maybe a coat of unthickened epoxy?
Any thoughts on my foolish idea are welcome.

Post by **Tim** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 7:09 am

Please leave it alone. Any coatings on props tend to work towards unbalancing them. It's bronze, and won't be harmed. But it won't stay pretty and shiny, either, alas.

You could dive on it daily and polish it up, if you want! Keep the fish happy.

(Don't worry...I understand where you're coming from! I've always felt a little sad to paint over new bronze through hulls, or to watch that shiny prop oxidize. Yet somehow I have managed to put this behind me and move on! hehe

Besides, a shiny prop only means that your boat hasn't been anywhere or done anything. Real props are weathered and boring.)

Arcadia · Post by **Arcadia** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 8:17 am

Peter,
I have been leaving my prop bare for years because I have yet to find anything anti fouling to reliably stick to my prop for any length of time. Not sure if thats a concern, but I did find this which you might find interesting. I'm planning on trying this on my prop this year. They are selling it as a regular whole boat anti fouling coating, but I would be extremely wary of that application, afraid I'd never get anything else to stick. I figure nothing sticks to my prop now but barnacles anyways so..
Check out the product history and Tech sheet.
Chris

http://performanceoutdoor.com/phasecoat.htm#

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Thu Mar 22, 2007 12:05 pm

That's it, then. I'll simply hang a spare shiny prop on the cabin bulkhead to admire :-)