A new product, called Crystal Prop, is a long-lasting paint designed specifically for use on propellers, shafts, struts, and other metallic underwater surfaces. When applied to the prop, this product creates a smooth surface, which decreases water resistance, and provides an excellent barrier against corrosion and marine growth that tries to attach itself. A smoother propeller surface means lower fuel consumption and resistance to the onset of cavitation.
The best news is that a propeller treated with Crystal Prop cleans itself as soon as it starts rotating, unlike traditional antifouling paints that lose their effectiveness over time with continued cruising. This special paint is extremely durable, and the start of any growth slips off, thanks to the friction produced by the flow of water. Compatible with all types of metal, Crystal Prop is reported to be ecologically friendly, too! It is free of copper oxide, harmful toxins, biocides, and metals. Crystal Prop may also extend the life of sacrificial anodes.
Application. Crystal Prop comes as a kit with two bottles containing Crystal Part A and Hardener Part B to be mixed in a 1:1 ratio. It is necessary to shake the bottles both before and after mixing. This thick, smooth paint can be applied by brush or spray gun with a 1.2 mm nozzle. Due to its gripping power on metals, no primer is needed and only one coat of paint should be applied. Don’t’ forget to wear protective gloves and eyewear during application and have surfaces cleaned and prepped; sand the metal surfaces ahead of time with 80 grit sandpaper. If marine growth appears at a later date on surfaces painted with Crystal Prop, it should be easy to brush away any growth with your fingers. For re-application, simply sand the surfaces with 240 grit sandpaper and apply the product again.
Crystal Prop is such a newly-developed product, that it may be hard to find in local marine supply stores, however, Fisheries Supply in Seattle, currently has this product in stock.
