Propspeed Foul Release Coating Kits

How Propspeed Works

Propspeed is a two-part foul release system built around an ultra-slick clear coat that makes it extremely difficult for marine growth to bond to metal surfaces. Unlike traditional antifouling paints that rely on biocides to kill organisms, Propspeed works by creating a surface so smooth that barnacles, weed, and other fouling simply cannot get a grip. When growth does attempt to attach, the low surface energy of the cured clear coat means it releases easily, often through the natural movement of the vessel through the water.

The system starts with an etching primer applied in two coats directly to the bare metal substrate. This primer creates both a chemical and mechanical bond with the metal, forming the foundation that allows the clear coat to adhere reliably season after season. Once the primer coats have cured, the clear coat is applied over top to complete the system. The result is a durable, tightly bonded coating that resists peeling and performs consistently throughout its service life.

Corrosion Protection Through Electrical Isolation

Beyond fouling prevention, Propspeed provides a meaningful layer of corrosion protection for underwater metals. The coating works by electrically isolating the metal surface, which limits the exchange of ions and gases between the water and the metal. When that electrochemical exchange cannot occur, the conditions required for corrosion are disrupted. This makes Propspeed particularly valuable on bronze, stainless steel, and aluminium running gear components that are otherwise vulnerable to galvanic and electrolytic corrosion in a marine environment.

Where to Use Propspeed

Propspeed is designed for use on any underwater metal component that is susceptible to fouling or corrosion. The system is well suited to a wide range of running gear and drive components, making it a versatile choice for powerboats, sailboats, and commercial vessels alike.

• Propellers
• Shafts
• Struts
• Rudders
• Trim tabs
• Keel coolers
• Bow and stern thrusters
• Pod drives
• Sail drives
• Other underwater metal surfaces

What Is Included in Each Kit

Both the Small Kit and Medium Kit contain every component required to complete the full Propspeed application from surface preparation through to the final clear coat. No additional materials need to be sourced separately for a standard application.

• Small Kit: PropClean wipe, PropPrep wipe, 96 ml Etching Primer Base, 24 ml Etching Primer Hardener, 80 ml Clear Coat, stirring stick, application guide
• Medium Kit: PropClean wipe, PropPrep wipe, 240 ml Etching Primer Base, 60 ml Etching Primer Hardener, 200 ml Clear Coat, stirring stick, application guide

Application Temperature and Dry Times

Propspeed application is temperature-sensitive, and following the recommended dry-to-recoat times is essential for the coating to perform correctly. The manufacturer does not recommend applying Propspeed at temperatures of 5 degrees Celsius and below, or at 35 degrees Celsius and above.

Within the recommended temperature range, recoat windows between primer coats vary based on ambient temperature. At 10 to 16 degrees Celsius, the wait between primer coats is 8 to 10 minutes. At 16 to 21 degrees Celsius, the window is 5 to 7 minutes. At 21 to 27 degrees Celsius, allow 3 to 5 minutes, and at 27 to 32 degrees Celsius, allow 2 to 4 minutes.

After the clear coat is applied, the required dry time before launching also varies with temperature. At 10 to 16 degrees Celsius, allow 24 to 36 hours. At 16 to 21 degrees Celsius, allow 12 hours. At 21 to 27 degrees Celsius and above, allow 8 hours. Refer to the Propspeed Recoat Window and Dry Times Chart for the complete reference guide.

Specifications

• Small Kit Coverage Area: 0.7 m2 (7.5 ft2)
• Medium Kit Coverage Area: 1.7 m2 (18.3 ft2)
• Small Kit - Etching Primer Base Volume: 96 ml
• Small Kit - Etching Primer Hardener Volume: 24 ml
• Small Kit - Clear Coat Volume: 80 ml
• Medium Kit - Etching Primer Base Volume: 240 ml
• Medium Kit - Etching Primer Hardener Volume: 60 ml
• Medium Kit - Clear Coat Volume: 200 ml
• Small Kit - Propeller Size Range: Up to 24 inches (60 cm) in diameter
• Medium Kit - Single Propeller Size Range: 66 to 96.5 cm (26 to 38 inches) in diameter
• Medium Kit - Dual Propeller Size Range: 36 to 76 cm (13 to 30 inches) in diameter
• Medium Kit - Vessel Size: Single screw vessel under 40 feet
• Protection Duration: 12 to 24 months (when applied and maintained correctly)
• Minimum Application Temperature: 5 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Maximum Application Temperature: 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Recoat Window at 10-16 degrees Celsius: 8 to 10 minutes between primer coats
• Recoat Window at 16-21 degrees Celsius: 5 to 7 minutes between primer coats
• Recoat Window at 21-27 degrees Celsius: 3 to 5 minutes between primer coats
• Recoat Window at 27-32 degrees Celsius: 2 to 4 minutes between primer coats
• Clear Coat Dry Time Before Launch at 10-16 degrees Celsius: 24 to 36 hours
• Clear Coat Dry Time Before Launch at 16-21 degrees Celsius: 12 hours
• Clear Coat Dry Time Before Launch at 21-32 degrees Celsius: 8 hours
• MFG Part Number - Small Kit: PSSKIT
• MFG Part Number - Medium Kit: PSMKIT

Key Features 

• Prevents marine growth from bonding to underwater metals: keeps propellers, shafts, and running gear clean throughout the season without biocides
• Multi-season protection: a single correct application protects underwater metals for 12 to 24 months, reducing haul-out frequency
• Reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency: a clean, smooth running gear surface allows the drivetrain to operate at its designed efficiency
• Electrically isolates metal surfaces: disrupts the electrochemical conditions required for corrosion, adding a layer of protection beyond fouling prevention
• Strong bond to metal substrates: the etching primer creates both a chemical and mechanical bond, so the coating stays adhered season after season
• DIY-friendly complete kits: every component needed for a full application is included, from surface preparation wipes to the final clear coat
• Two kit sizes to match the job: the Small Kit suits saildrives and small propellers, while the Medium Kit handles single-screw vessels under 40 feet
• Broad compatibility with running gear types: suitable for propellers, shafts, struts, rudders, trim tabs, keel coolers, thrusters, pod drives, and sail drives
• Temperature-guided application: clear recoat windows and dry times across a range of conditions help ensure a correct application in the field