On Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:21:16 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:38:26 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote:


Has anyone tried any of the anti-fouling schemes intended for
propellers, and if so what was your experience?

The question comes about because I just had to dive on my prop and
clean it. When I got down there I discovered a mass of "clams" as big
as a bushel basket. Took two days to scrape them all off.

True, for one reason or another, the boat hasn't moved in the better
part of a year but still I don't believe I have ever seen as much
growth. Must be either global warming or high CO2 content :-)

In any event, it does make one think "there must be a better way".

Haven't tried it because I don't have a boat.
But you made me think that if you knew your boat would be idle a long
time, wrapping the prop it in a old piece of poly tarp might work.
Maybe even a thick black garbage bag.
Should be easier to put that on and crack/cut it away than spend 2
days scraping.
Barnacles need some light to grow, right?
We sometimes want a patch of lawn for garden and the easiest way
to kill the grass is to lay something on it that blocks the light.

--Vic

Yes, putting a black garbage bag over the prop does cut down on growth
drastically... however.

As it was really happenstance that the boat wasn't taken out so no
plans had been made for storing the boat and secondly, most people
start the engine every week or so even if the boat is not being used.
Inadvertently most of those who have taken the precaution to bag the
prop seem to test the transmission when running the engine which sort
of negates the whole project. (the bag rips).

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)