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Transform your business with Propspeed today.

Since 1999, boatyards and painters have reaped the benefits of adding Propspeed to their service list.

Propspeed Foulfree and Lightspeed kits
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Experts in our field

Our team of passionate, technically skilled and personable professionals will go above and beyond to support you.

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Industry-leading products

The original and still the best underwater asset coatings on the market.

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The benchmark brand

Trusted by thousands of satisfied customers around the world.

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Business Tools for Success

Add value to your business through our industry leading training programs and resources.

As the proud producer of the world-leading running gear coating, we want to ensure that you receive the best product support and training, to make the Propspeed range of product a successful part of your business. We are here to support the integration of Propspeed as a value-add to your business and your customers' boating lives. From business owners, general managers, sales managers, service writers and applicators, we have a selection of programs relevant to your entire team.

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We pride ourselves on our people and the passion they bring to their work.

Contact your regional sales manager today for any and all Propspeed related business enquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sales

Absolutely. While it’s true a fresh-water boater might not experience the hard-shell marine growth attachment like boaters in salt-water, your customers certainly experience other marine-growth attachment, such as slime, vegetation, and zebra mussels. Propspeed will prevent any growth attaching to underwater metals and also inhibits the transfer of invasive species to new waterways.

Additionally, it is important to also communicate the fact that Propspeed’s hydrophobic characteristics will help reduce fuel burn and increase speed at typical running RPMs. Protecting the waterways, saving cost on fuel burn, and giving your customer enhanced performance and protection of their investment.

To a boat owner:

How much did you spend last year in fuelling your boat? Once launched with fresh bottom paint and clean running gear, when did you first notice the engines not hitting their specified RPM’s for maximum speed? How much further did you have to push the throttle down to get to your regular cruising speed? Were you paying attention to your fuel gauge at the same time? At that particular point in time when out cruising to your favorite spot, you will recall the conversation the service manager tried to have with you about Propspeed, and how Propspeed could actually keep your running gear and propellers free of fuel-robbing marine growth.

Weigh the cost of how much money you spent last year on fuel with the cost of a Propspeed application and I think you’ll agree, Propspeed is the only way to go.

To a boatyard operator:

The cost and work involved to prepare the running gear for either Propspeed or regular anti-foul paint is the same (e.g. making sure the surface has been sanded clean of all existing coatings while ensuring the sanded surfaces have been properly cleaned of any oils or other contaminants). Both products require the exact same procedure. At this point the scope of work for surface preparation is equal, regardless of which type of coating system you apply. There’s no doubt Propspeed is an added-value proposition for the boat owner and for you, the boatyard operator, as well. The owner is willing to pay additional money for something he knows works and adds value to his boat, and for you, you sell a top-tier product that has been tested and validated in the market place for over 21 years.

The boat owner will undoubtedly see the difference when using Propspeed over the life of the coating by realizing a reduction in his fuel-burn, of which, has a price. For you, the difference in selling the boat-owner a traditional AF system versus a Propspeed system you could increase your margins on every boat you haul-out and apply Propspeed to by as much 100%.

Additionally, you are promoting an industry-leading product that has been time-tested with a proven track record behind its name, plus unequalled factory support in the field.

Get an estimate for how much product you need to coat your underwater assets with the Propspeed® Coverage Calculator™.

Additionally, if you need any further support or guidance, please contact one of our Sales Managers as they are happy to help.

Propspeed is used on both motor-vessels and sailing-vessels with a huge degree of success. Sailing-vessels, which are more dependent on nature’s variances, realize the benefits of a clean propeller as does the motorboating crowd, if not more so. The additional benefit of an increase in speed and reduction in fuel burn might not be top of mind for the sailing-vessel owner at the time of application, but they will certainly ‘feel’ the difference when they engage their motors when pulling away from their mooring’s following an extended idle time.

There are basically 2 types of competitors to Propspeed.

(1) Fast-Followers - these are products that are new to the foul-release coatings industry with minimal experience. These companies have tried to copy our success with products that have limited in-service trials and in some instances no experience at all. The products are promoted as a cheaper alternative to Propspeed; however, it means that the boat owner must compromise performance for a lower cost. The savings are often forgotten once these products fail within months and sometimes weeks, with no local support to manage these failures.

(2) Traditional Antifoul Products - Traditional antifoul systems that comprise of an epoxy primer and a hard antifoul coating overcoat have been used in the boating community for years and have proven themselves to be less than reliable or durable. Many of these coating systems do not even last through a single season of boating. It is important to note, that this segment of competitors do not offer all of the other benefits that Propspeed does as a foul-release coating. Propspeed has a hydrophobic surface for greater water dispersion, provides insulation from corrosion, and does not leach toxins into the ocean etc.

Propspeed is a high-value product for everyone involved. It is the highest performing solution available on the market today, which results in happy customers through increased performance, protection, and cost savings.

(1) Brand loyalty and Superior Product Performance - Providing a product that works, supported by the manufacturer, means happy customers. Propspeed has become the standard, and you will become a one-stop-shop for underwater coatings. This results in return customers to your business.

(2) Specialized Coating – Propspeed is not like regular bottom paint and in turn, has a higher retail value than traditional anti-foul coatings. This results in better margins for your business. A business can estimate they will realize an increase in their margins by 100% on an equivalent boat had they used an anti-foul coating system on.

(3) Maximizing Value of the Lift - Propspeed is a great product line to add a profitable revenue center that drives repeat business through happy customers that are seeing an increase in performance, protection, and cost savings.

No. In addition to propellers, Propspeed can be applied to all underwater metal substrates such as; shafts, struts, rudders, trim-tabs, trim-tab actuators, thruster propellers, thruster propeller arms, swim platform armatures, swim-ladders, sea strainers, sea-chests, keel-coolers and in-take grates. Any metal underwater assets that require protection and enhanced performance, Propspeed is the answer.

Propspeed works on all underwater metals as long as the proper guidelines are followed. Click here for the downloadable application guide. 

Propspeed may cost more to buy than conventional antifouling paints, but the feedback we get constantly from boat owners is that it pays for itself. By keeping the running gear free of marine growth, not only does it reduce the time spent cleaning at next haul-out, but it reduces your running costs by increasing your speed and reducing your fuel consumption

Propspeed does not contain biocides, it works because it is slippery. Propspeed is a foul-release coating that requires water moving across the surface with some degree of frequency. Alternatively, a diver may be required to clean it with a soft glove.

Application

Two key temperature measurements are monitored during a Propspeed application. The most important of the two is the air temperature and the humidity rating, the second is the surface temperature of the metal. Both of these temperatures play a role in the coating window and the dry time.

The maximum application temperature is 35°C / 95°F air and 35°C / 95°F surface temperature.

View the recoat window and dry times here.

Get an estimate for how much product you need to coat your underwater assets with the Propspeed® Coverage Calculator™.

Additionally, if you need any further support or guidance, please contact one of our Sales Managers as they are happy to help.

View the re-coat window and drying times here.

Once the Etching Primer Hardener is added you have 10 minutes to use the catalyzed product. After such time, the product is inactive. Regardless of any liquids found left in the can, once the hardener has been added if the 10-minute window has been reached the product must be discarded and not used.
 
Propspeed products have a shelf life of 2 years from the date of manufacture. The best before date is located on the Etching Primer Base can, and Etching Primer Hardener bottle.

Click here for more information on the shelf lives of the Propspeed product line.

The Propspeed coating is formulated to adhere to a bare metal surface. Over-coating an existing coating will not allow the metal Etching Primer to properly bond, both mechanically and chemically, to the substrate if applied over another coating. Any existing Propspeed must be fully removed before starting a new application.

The time it takes to complete a Propspeed application depends on (a) how much of the underwater assets are being coated (running gear, propellers, trim tabs etc), (b) how large (dimensions) the areas being painted are, (c) how many people are working on the application, and finally, (d) what the ambient temperatures are when the application is taking place. As you can see, there is no one-answer-fits-all solution. 

No, acetone is not recommended for 2 key reasons.

(1) Alcohols do a better job in dissolving a variety of oils and organic impurities in comparison.

(2) Alcohols work better due to the slower evaporation rate when compared to acetone. In a practical application, this allows the applicator sufficient time to wipe clean the surface, removing all of the organic contaminants. Acetone flashes too quickly and does not finish the cleaning procedure properly. This is especially important in warm and humid temperatures.

Propspeed has developed 2 products that are specifically formulated for cleaning and conditioning the metal surfaces that are to be coated with the Propspeed system. 

Propclean is a cleaning agent that removes any organic oils and other impurities left on the metal surface, ensuring a clean application surface.

Propprep is a metal conditioning solution incorporating phosphoric acid and a surfactant (soap). The role of the surfactant is to clean the metal by helping to remove loose metal dust, dirt, light grease and oils that may be present on the metal surface after sanding and after cleaning with Propclean. The phosphoric acid reacts with the metal surface and creates a thin homogenous metal-phosphate layer all over the substrate.

Two key temperature measurements are monitored during a Propspeed application. The most important of the two is the air temperature and the humidity rating, the second is the surface temperature of the metal surface. Both of these temperatures play a role in the recoat window and the dry time. 

The minimum application temperature for a Propspeed application is 10°C / 50°F air and 10°C / 50°F surface temperature.

View the recoat window and dry times here.

Propspeed manufactures 2 products that are specifically designed for cleaning the metallic surfaces that are to be coated with the Propspeed system.

Propclean is a cleaning agent designed to remove any organic oils and other impurities left on the metal surface ensuring a clean application surface.

Propprep is a metal conditioning solution incorporating phosphoric acid and a surfactant (soap). The role of the surfactant is to perform a preliminary cleaning of the metal by helping to remove loose metal dust, dirt, light grease and oils that may be present on the metal surface after sanding and cleaning with Propclean. The phosphoric acid reacts with the metal surface and creates a thin homogenous metal-phosphate layer all over the substrate. The importance of the phosphate layer can be described as follows:

This phosphate layer is porous and provides a matrix in which the corrosion inhibiting pigments and polymer’s present in the etch primer can attach to.

The phosphate layer is transitional between the metal substrate and the components of the etch primer. In other words, it provides superior adhesion compatibility that is not present if applying the etch primer directly to sanded metal.

By its nature, the phosphate layer is also a corrosion inhibitor by itself that works in tandem with the metal etch primer.

Product Information

Propspeed 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.

No. In addition to propellers, Propspeed can be applied to all underwater metal substrates such as; shafts, struts, rudders, trim-tabs, trim-tab actuators, thruster propellers, thruster propeller arms, swim platform armatures, swim-ladders, sea strainers, sea-chests, keel-coolers and in-take grates. Any metal underwater assets that require protection and enhanced performance, Propspeed is the answer.

Propspeed works on all underwater metals as long as the proper guidelines are followed. Click here for the downloadable application guide. 

None. 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 cleaning will damage the Propspeed and eliminate its effectiveness.

Propspeed can be applied to any metal part below the waterline, including propellers, shafts, struts, rudders, trim tabs and through hull fittings. You can also use the clear coat directly on plastic bow-thrusters.

Propspeed does not contain biocides, it works because it is slippery. Propspeed is a foul-release coating that requires water moving across the surface with some degree of frequency. Alternatively, a diver may be required to clean it with a soft glove.

Please see the table for detailed information regarding the Propspeed product line.

Propspeed can be used successfully in fresh or salt water. As it’s a foul release, not a biocide or antifoul, 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.

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 less 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.

No, this will not affect the Propspeed coating. Many believe that Propspeed is like traditional antifoul (AF) coatings that will dry out once on the hard, thereby reducing the AF's toxicity levels the following season. This is not the case for Propspeed! 

Propspeed's performance is not adversely affected when hauled for extended periods of time and is a 'multi-season' coating in many parts of the world. We recommend covering the coated surfaces to protect from damage when the vessel is in storage.

No, when applied correctly, Propspeed will not cause the propellers to sing or harmonize.

Yes, Propspeed is a foul-release coating, not antifoul. Foul-release coatings use physical means to reduce fouling, creating a surface that’s tough for marine organisms to adhere to.

Yes, Propspeed can be pressure-cleaned. We suggest the tip of the pressure cleaning wand be held no-closer than 12” from the painted surface and use only the wide-fan when high water pressure is being used.

To ensure Stripspeed performs as expected, there are 3 key steps you must strictly follow: 

  1. Before application: Open the bottle and let some air in, then vigorously shake the bottle for a minimum of 90 seconds. This ensures that all ingredients are activated, and the product achieves its thick consistency as seen in the picture below, allowing it to hang on vertical surfaces.

  2. During application: Ensure you apply a generous coat of Stripspeed, with a minimum thickness of 2mm (1/12 inch)

  3. After application: Stripspeed will work in 30* minutes or less, depending on the atmospheric conditions. Never leave Stripspeed on metal surfaces for extended periods (longer than 1 hour in most cases). Failing to do so may result in Stripspeed drying out and not performing as expected.

    *Timing is subject to atmospheric conditions. The ideal temperature is 15-27°C (60-80°F)
Click here and view our step-by-step application and removal instructions. 

 Stripspeed - Coat 2mm Thick

The critical differences in the three different application systems are (1) the way the surfaces are prepared for coating purposes, and most importantly, (2) the cleaning agents found within each kit perform a specific function pertaining to the surface to be coated. Using the correct product and following the correct preparation and application instructions provided is critical to maximize performance across our range of products.
 
- For protecting any metal surfaces.
- The Propspeed system has everything required to protect underwater metals in the harshest of marine environments.

- For protecting underwater light lenses and housings.
- Lightspeed has been tested to be underwater light safe and will not cloud of fog lenses.

- For protecting transducers; measuring equipment below the waterline.
- Foulfree has been tested and is AIRMAR certified to result in no loss of transducer performance.

We have included all of the required components in each one of our product kits to make it easy for your business to charge out one billable item. E.g. 1 x Foulfree kit has everything you need to complete the job. Simple, easy, and valuable. 

Lightspeed is suitable for boat lights, fishing lights, and dock lights. Some growth may appear when lights are kept immobile but can be wiped off easily.

Lightspeed will last a minimum of 12 months.

One 15ml kit will coat 1ft2.

Yes, Lightspeed is a foul-release coating, not antifoul. Foul-release coatings use physical means to reduce fouling, creating a surface that’s tough for marine organisms to adhere to.

Lightspeed requires a minimum of 8 hours to dry before launching. In cold conditions, 40-60°F / 5-13°C, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours before launching.

Lightspeed can sit out of water for extended periods of time in warm or cold climates with no adverse effects.

Foulfree lasts a minimum of 12 months, with an even longer service life in cooler climates.

One 15ml kit will coat 1ft2 .

Yes, Foulfree is a foul-release coating, not antifoul. Foul-release coatings use physical means to reduce fouling, creating a surface that’s tough for marine organisms to adhere to.

Foulfree requires a minimum of 8 hours to dry before launching. In cold conditions, 40-60°F / 5-13°C, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours before launching.

Our coatings are not effected by extended periods of time out of the water. Foulfree can be applied and then remain out of the water without causing any problems. The coating is UV sensitive when exposed for a long period of time, so we suggest that customers keep the coated surfaces out of direct sunlight. Many customers cover up the coating to also protect it from damage, as it is a soft coating.

Foulfree will not dry out, and performance will not be adversely effected when the boat is on the hard.

Resources

Application

  • Propspeed New Application Technique 2024

    pdf 2889KB
    Download

  • Maintaining Propspeed

    pdf 344KB
    Download

  • Propspeed Estimated Coverage Rates

    pdf 81KB
    Download

  • Propspeed Quick Application Guide

    pdf 861KB
    Download

Technical Documents

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