Propspeed – a unique foul-release coating for propellers!
Why should you choose Propspeed?
A New Zealand company OceanMax was founded to discovering and developing high-performance products which make the marine craft more efficient and more economical. Their chemists are pioneering ways to ensure that the products do the least harm to both humans and the precious marine environment. Propspeed is a unique silicone-based agent for processing propellers and propeller shafts, which has become a phenomenon around the world in the marine industry as the most innovative and effective marine foul release system. This is a foul release coating, not an anti-foul, so it doesn’t harm marine life. The topcoat on the Propspeed system is an ultra-slick surface that marine growth can’t grip. Propspeed sets itself apart from the competition with the exceptionally strong chemical and physical bond between the metal substrate, the primer and the topcoat - this ensures that the Propspeed coating actually stays on your running gear. This tool has the main following advantages:
- reduced fuel consumption;
- longer service life in comparison with traditional antifouling paints based on dioxides;
- a higher degree of adhesion;
- protection of all metals from galvanic currents.
Propspeed’s effectiveness does depend on the movement of your boat - the more you use it, the better Propspeed performs. Propspeed can be used successfully in fresh or saltwater. As it’s a foul-release, not a biocide or anti-foul, Propspeed relies on a slick surface - it doesn’t matter what sort of marine growth you have, it won’t be able to get a grip.
What about maintenance?
The specialists note that provided the only maintenance given to the parts with Propspeed applied is a light wiping with a non-abrasive cloth, the boat can be hauled and launched multiple times, or left out for long periods without affecting the performance of Propspeed.
What is more, is that you don’t need any sort of maintenance to Propspeed. The foul release formulation is self-cleaning as soon as the propeller starts up. If required, a light wipe with a non-abrasive cloth will remove any marine growth. When hauling out, ensure the Propspeed is wiped down with a non-abrasive cloth before any marine growth on the surface can dry. Water-blasting, scraping and other abrasive cleanings will damage the Propspeed and eliminate its effectiveness.
How Propspeed affect the life of the sacrificial anodes?
The application of Propspeed greatly reduces the wetted metal surface and the positive outcome is that our customers are seeing an increase of vessel speed with fewer RPMs, fuel savings and, the protection from stray current damage resulting in longer sacrificial anode life. It has been observed by our customers that by using Propspeed on their running gear and propellers they have seen a dramatic reduction in corrosion to their underwater metals and that their sacrificial anodes are lasting longer.
How to choose the right size of Propspeed kit?
The right kit for your needs will depend on the size of the area you’re coating. Our three kit sizes correspond to the following coverage areas:
200ml: up to 0.4m2 or 4.3ft2
500ml: up to 1m2 or 10.75ft2
1 liter: up to 2m2 or 21.5ft2
When you use Propspeed be sure it will last at least a year, but many customers report another one or even two years’ service life. This depends on what sort of marine environment your boat is moored in, the water temperature, and how often you use it. Anyway, all Propspeed kits have a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture.
One of the main point that users note is eco-technology. Propspeed contains no copper, tin or any other toxic substances harmful to marine life.
Many users are interested if they can apply Propspeed their selves. Yes, it is possible but the manufacturer recommends to apply by a trained applicator. The application of Propspeed requires planning. Make sure you have installed and taped over all zincs, all application gear is on hand, and you thoroughly understand the process – then you’re ready to get started.