I'm getting ready to launch my H34. I paint the bottom with a water based ablative anti fouling. In the past I have clear coated the stainless shaft and brass prop with a product called Tempo. It never worked real well and this past season I got a lot of barnacles on the shaft and prop. West Marine carries a number of anti fouling spray paints but they cost like $35/can and they're all opaque. I think Petit may have one that's metallic. Now I'm thinking if it's not going to be clear, why not just cover them with the bottom paint. What do you think?
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I've had limited "success"
in keeping hard growth off my bronze shaft and prop with either of two products: Interlux Primocon or Petit Transducer Paint. Both come in spray cans, both can be used on bronze or stainless, are easy to use, and cost around $20. You'll get multiple seasons out of a can. At the end of the season, these products have typically been just about worn off and I usually have about a half dozen barnacles here and there. I'm not sure I could do better.
in keeping hard growth off my bronze shaft and prop with either of two products: Interlux Primocon or Petit Transducer Paint. Both come in spray cans, both can be used on bronze or stainless, are easy to use, and cost around $20. You'll get multiple seasons out of a can. At the end of the season, these products have typically been just about worn off and I usually have about a half dozen barnacles here and there. I'm not sure I could do better.
My experience with hull paint,
at least on bronze props, is that it doesn't hurt, probably helps, but doesn't last very long. I was always told not to paint the shaft. Don't know why - obviously you should not paint any spots where you intend to install zincs. As an aside, do not use copper based anti fouling on aluminum: http://www.hackingfamily.com/Landfalls/Newsletters/Tonga/on_the_hard.htm
at least on bronze props, is that it doesn't hurt, probably helps, but doesn't last very long. I was always told not to paint the shaft. Don't know why - obviously you should not paint any spots where you intend to install zincs. As an aside, do not use copper based anti fouling on aluminum: http://www.hackingfamily.com/Landfalls/Newsletters/Tonga/on_the_hard.htm
Tried bottom paint....... NG
i left my boat in the water all year for 2006, using petit vivid, and was very happy with the results on the hull, and rudder. no barnacle growth at all! but the prop, and shaft had to be cleaned frequently with the same coating. the years before, the same results with no paint on the running gear? high rpm doesent work either. I gave up. ive learned to dive with a windshield deicer that pops the bugers off cleanly, and easily, about every 3 weeks, during the summer. the interesting part of the story is that during the winter months, no cleaning was required. i guess they dont like 41 degree water, no fun for me either. now ive heard from some of the locals here in the northeast, that its the zinc that attracts them to the shaft area, and they have proof over the years that if your on a mooring thats safe from any current in the water, leave the zinc off. i think its too much of a gamble to trust that, for all the different climate zones, and bottom types, and i need piece of mind. and furthermore, barnacles dont slow you down as much as a dissolved prop.... so i guess we have to live with it!
i left my boat in the water all year for 2006, using petit vivid, and was very happy with the results on the hull, and rudder. no barnacle growth at all! but the prop, and shaft had to be cleaned frequently with the same coating. the years before, the same results with no paint on the running gear? high rpm doesent work either. I gave up. ive learned to dive with a windshield deicer that pops the bugers off cleanly, and easily, about every 3 weeks, during the summer. the interesting part of the story is that during the winter months, no cleaning was required. i guess they dont like 41 degree water, no fun for me either. now ive heard from some of the locals here in the northeast, that its the zinc that attracts them to the shaft area, and they have proof over the years that if your on a mooring thats safe from any current in the water, leave the zinc off. i think its too much of a gamble to trust that, for all the different climate zones, and bottom types, and i need piece of mind. and furthermore, barnacles dont slow you down as much as a dissolved prop.... so i guess we have to live with it!
Primer
Any of the antifouling products will work if you put a coat or two of non-metalic primer on the prop and shaft before you paint. I have tried the sprays and regular bottom paint and they work very well over the primer. As mentioned, don't prime or paint under or over the shaft zincs.
Any of the antifouling products will work if you put a coat or two of non-metalic primer on the prop and shaft before you paint. I have tried the sprays and regular bottom paint and they work very well over the primer. As mentioned, don't prime or paint under or over the shaft zincs.
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