Bottom paint - paint props and rudders.

Dark Horse · Post by **Dark Horse** » June 21st, 2020, 8:07 pm

Hello all,
I just spent quite a few hours over the last week fixing blisters and then bottom painting the boat (what fun!)
My question is should I paint the props and rudders? It looks like they may have been painted before. They are off the boat now for transport and I cleaned them completely.
Looking around the marina I am in, it seems to be a 50/50 split on painting them.
What say you all?

Post by **Midnightsun** » June 22nd, 2020, 7:41 am

I am in fresh water and have never seen anyone paint props or rudders. That being said, salt water it is probably different since you have those darn barnacles and weird creatures to deal with.

A very different environment and chemistry for sure, somebody with salt experience will chime in I would think.

buster53 · Post by **buster53** » June 22nd, 2020, 3:16 pm

Fresh water...don't bother.
Salt/brackish water...YES

Regular bottom paint won't last long on running gear. You need paint made for running gear.
Everything I have read, Prop Speed is the best,but expensive and labor intensive to use.
I've been using Pettit Zinc Coat. Pretty cheap and very easy to use.

throwback2 · Post by **throwback2** » June 22nd, 2020, 6:16 pm

A lot of boats here in NJ have been using Rustoleum cold galvanizing paint. Same ingredients as Barnacle Buster and a lot cheaper.

Dark Horse · Post by **Dark Horse** » June 22nd, 2020, 7:27 pm

Thanks for the heads up. I just did a little research and the Rustoleum is basically the same stuff but a whole lot cheaper. I see a few cans in my future.

Bottom paint - paint props and rudders.

Bottom paint - paint props and rudders.

Re: Bottom paint - paint props and rudders.

Re: Bottom paint - paint props and rudders.

Re: Bottom paint - paint props and rudders.

Re: Bottom paint - paint props and rudders.