As owners of powered vessels look to maximise fuel efficiency, in light of the rising cost of fuel, New Zealand based foul-release coatings company - Propspeed reports that use of its Propspeed coatings could improve hourly fuel usage and increase boat speed.
Matt Forbes, the Sales Director – EMEA at Propspeed, explains “Research has shown that propellers with as little as 16.6 micrometres of roughness can result in a 5% efficiency loss. Although fouling might not look significant - perhaps a layer of barely detectable slime, it can still increase fuel burn.”
Propspeed coatings enable fuel cost savings
Matt Forbes continues, “Using less fuel to achieve the same speed is fast becoming a major consideration in boat ownership. Owners who have applied Propspeed have reported savings of up to seven litres per hour and an additional three knots at their standard revs, and these results remain consistent throughout the season.”
He adds, “This is a significant saving that confirms good propeller protection is just as important as using quality bottom coatings.”
Propspeed’s foul-release coatings
Propspeed has been specifically designed to keep propellers and underwater metals free from fouling
Propspeed has been specifically designed to keep propellers and underwater metals free from fouling. It features an exceptionally strong chemical and mechanical bond that is created by the application of its Etching Primer and Clear Coat. This creates a biocide free, ultra-slick surface that no fouling organism can attach to.
Propspeed further creates an insulating coating, which is effective at preventing corrosion for other critical components of a vessel, such as the shafts, props, pod drives and stern drives.
International boat builders recognise benefits of Propspeed
Good professional application by a Propspeed certified applicator is essential to achieving the best results and a correctly applied Propspeed coating can provide up to 24 months protection.
International boat builders have recognised the benefit of supplying Propspeed’s foul-release coatings to the propeller systems of new boats. Fairline Yachts recommends Propspeed as a standard application for its Volvo IPS systems and Australian boat builders, Palm Beach Yachts and Riviera Yachts specify Propspeed on all new models.
Propspeed products
Propspeed products include Propspeed for running gear and any underwater metals, Foulfree for transducers and Lightspeed for underwater lighting.
