Florida's Busiest Ferry Chooses Propspeed

"Before using Propspeed, we had as much as 4 inches of growth on the propeller shaft. With Propspeed applied, our running gear is now free of growth."

Summary

Yankee Freedom III travels 150 miles a day, seven days a week. Propspeed is a no-brainer for keeping her running gear marine growth-free.

About

Yankee Freedom III is the official ferry of Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the world’s most unique eco-attractions, 70 miles from Key West, Florida.

The high-speed catamaran operates seven days a week, carrying passengers to the park’s seven small islands and its crown jewel, historic Fort Jefferson. Once used as a prison during the Civil War, the massive brick fortress is now one of Florida’s most popular tourist attractions, and its scenic surroundings and turquoise waters offer visitors ample opportunities for snorkeling and nature exploration.

As its name suggests, Yankee Freedom III is the third vessel in the fleet, having replaced Yankee Freedom II in 2012. The ferry covers 150 miles seven days a week year-round, with a working speed of 29 knots and passenger capacity of 175.

Prior to using Propspeed, the vessel had significant growth on its prop shafts, which caused severe strain on the engine. When a diver was sent down to inspect the running gear, he noticed as much as 4 inches of grey moss growing along the shaft. 

Yankee Freedom III’s captain, Rick Gauron, knew there was a solution out there, having heard rave reviews of Propspeed from boat owners throughout Florida and the Caribbean. The powerful adherence of Propspeed’s etch combined with the environmental benefits of using a biocide-free foul-release system rather than traditional antifoul made Propspeed the obvious choice.

Propspeed was promptly applied to Yankee Freedom III’s props and shafts at her next haul-out and is now an essential part of her servicing every year. She hasn’t had any marine-growth issues since.

Rick has become such a fan that he insists on having Propspeed on his 35-foot Henriques sport fisher to help protect his own running gear. 

"Before using Propspeed, we had as much as 4 inches of growth on the propeller shaft. With Propspeed applied, our running gear is now free of growth."