Bill,
First, Prop Speed is still widely available. I am not sure why your local guys can't get it. Assuming for whatever reason it can not be locally obtained, Velox is another product that works well for props and other running gear. Some people swear by one, others by the other. Pick your favorite!
I would avoid standard bottom paint on the prop. In theory, if you epoxy coat it you can isolate the copper from the bronze, but the smallest flaw in the epoxy coating and the paint will very rapidly fail. It is also almost impossible to keep the epoxy adhered. The same chemical process that causes the zinc to protect the prop from corrosion also tends to blow coatings off the prop unless they are specially designed for it. Even PropSpeed only lasts about 12 months on most boats and then begins to fail.
Worst case: Leave it naked, like everybody did 10 years ago, and clean it regularly underwater. A popular trick was to wrap it in a black plastic bag while anchored or docked for any extended time to keep stuff from growing. Then remove the bag before getting underway. Obviously a strategy best suited to warm tropical waters!
Bill Kinney
SM160, Harmonie
North Bimini, Bahamas
---In amelyachtowners@..., <pacificcool@...> wrote :
Two years ago I treated my Max Prop with Prop Speed to protect it from critters underwater. I asked Peake Yachts here in Trinidad where I'm hauled out if they could reapply the Prop Speed (maybe its Speed Prop) and they said it's no longer available. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to protect my Max Prop? One web site suggested I sand it down to bare metal (done), apply an epoxy primer, and then apply anti-fouling. For some reason it seems like that is not a great idea.
Anyone have any suggestions?
Regards,
Bill Shaproski
S/V Pacific Cool
