What Is PropSpeed and How Does It Work?

PropSpeed is a foul-release coating designed for metal surfaces below the waterline. It's applied to propellers, shafts, rudders, struts, trim tabs, and other underwater metals to prevent marine growth from bonding. It works because it's slippery, not because it's toxic. There are no biocides, no copper, and no tin in the formula.

Barnacle Busters is an authorized PropSpeed facility, meaning our team has completed the manufacturer's training for proper surface preparation and application.

Foul-Release vs Antifouling

The distinction matters. Antifouling paints work by leaching chemicals into the water that kill or deter organisms. They're effective on hulls but aren't designed for metal running gear, where paint adhesion is poor, and the surfaces need to spin freely.

PropSpeed takes a different approach. The system creates an ultra-slick silicone surface that organisms can't grip. Barnacles, algae, and slime may try to settle on it, but once the boat moves, they slide off. 

According to PropSpeed's official product page, the coating has been tested by hundreds of thousands of boaters worldwide since 1999 and consistently delivers reduced fouling, improved performance, and lower fuel costs.

How the System Is Built

PropSpeed is a two-part system. The first layer is an etching primer that bonds chemically to the metal substrate. The second is a clear topcoat that provides the slippery outer surface. 

The bond between primer, topcoat, and metal is what keeps the coating attached under harsh conditions. That bond is also what separates PropSpeed from cheaper silicone sprays or DIY alternatives that peel off within weeks.

The application process requires clean, properly prepared metal. The surface has to be stripped of any old coatings, sanded, and cleaned before the primer goes on. The primer coats have specific timing windows between them, and the topcoat has to go on while the primer is still at the right stage of cure. Rushing or skipping steps compromises the bond and shortens the coating's life.

Where It Gets Applied

PropSpeed can go on any metal surface below the waterline. 

The most common applications are propellers, shafts, struts, and rudders. It's also used on trim tabs, bow thrusters, stabilisers, sea strainers, keel coolers, and through-hull fittings. The clear topcoat without the etching primer can be used on non-metal items like underwater lights and composite propellers.

For boats with zinc anodes, PropSpeed offers an additional benefit. By reducing the amount of exposed metal surface below the waterline, it decreases the galvanic load on your anodes, which can extend their lifespan between replacements.

Why Application Quality Matters

PropSpeed performs well when it's applied correctly and poorly when it isn't. The difference between a coating that lasts 18 months and one that peels in two comes down to surface prep and technique. That's why the manufacturer maintains an authorized applicator program.

If you're considering PropSpeed for your running gear, contact Barnacle Busters to discuss your boat and schedule the application during your next haul-out.