Copper plating my prop

[groundhog]

I think I want to plate my propeller with copper. I was reading the posts about all the anti prop fouling stuff, and i would like to try this out.

My question is, since im not a metal expert, do i need to do a barrier coat of another metal first?

Like if I directly plate the copper to the shaft, will I cause some type of molecular situation where I will ruin my expensive prop?

thanks,
gh

[groundhog]

not shaft.... i meant prop...
...prop is bronze
sorry.

[Kiltmadoc]

we just used the pettit zinc spray paint as a barrier coat ($20). Safe for bronze. From what I have seen, the copper stuff needs a barrier coat of epoxy. Pettit sells a whole kit that's in the range of $150 to $200 or thereabouts. Seems like a lot of money for some paint to me.

I tried the zinc paint and I may have to occasionally dive the shaft and prop with a scrub brush. Time will tell....

[erps]

Sounds like a good idea, but a little voice in the back of my mind is saying if something like that worked really well, everyone would already be doin' it.

[nickmerc]

I have found that consistent use really helps keep the prop clean.
________
CHOCOLATIK

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by erps

...if something like that worked really well, everyone would already be doin' it.

+1

Somebody always tryin' to reinvent the wheel.

[Omatako]

I suspect the OP is discussing electro-plating not Coppercoat.

I don't know why it shouldn't work. And also I wonder if the same principle applies to other forms of electro plating like ordinary old chrome plating.

Another thing I was wondering the other day - why are yacht props not made in stainless or are they and I just haven't been paying attention? Don't know what the benefits would be - just wondering.

[tommays]

Outdrive and outboard props are made of SS and while they can hold more complex shapes than the standard aluminum props they have other issues

1. really heavy and don't yield during and impact ( common because you run in shallow water more)

2. They require a lot more anode protection due to the drive units aluminum construction

[overbored]

Originally Posted by Omatako

I suspect the OP is discussing electro-plating not Coppercoat.

I don't know why it shouldn't work. And also I wonder if the same principle applies to other forms of electro plating like ordinary old chrome plating.

Another thing I was wondering the other day - why are yacht props not made in stainless or are they and I just haven't been paying attention? Don't know what the benefits would be - just wondering.

they do make SS props, but they are expensive. I have a Martec folding prop that is SS. don't think it is worth the money but the boat came with it. suppose to be less corrosion between the prop and shaft.

[sailingfool]

Pettit zinc barnacle coat has always worked real well for me...