Crystal Prop, the antifouling paint for propellers: after months and many miles covered the propeller is still clean
Finding an antifouling paint for propellers and boat axes that really works is a problem that affects all boat owners.
This is why we had decided to test Crystal Prop, the new antifouling paint for propellers and mechanically-operated axes by Coverplast.
We therefore applied the paint last May (read the article here) and now, after months of use and many miles covered with our boat, the Daydreamer, the questions we had asked ourselves at the beginning of out test finally have an answer.
We can only disclose that we were very satisfied. The desire of many boat owners to keep their propellers always clean and efficient is no longer a mirage but a real possibility. Let’s find out why.
Crystal Prop is a self-polishing antifouling paint for propellers
In order to observe it, we left our Daydreamer docked in the harbour for almost two months before summer, which is the time when the sea is usually warmer and when marine fouling proliferates. A green patina of fouling had already formed on the propeller. At the first starting, as the propeller starts to revolve, most of the dirt detached. Then, under way, as the engine speed increased, the propeller got perfectly clean since even the remaining foiling (the most invasive one) slipped away.
So, the answer to our question is yes, the motion of the propeller combined with the smooth surface of the paint makes the fouling detach from the propeller. We obtained this effect on a sailboat whose propeller has a very low rotation speed and it is therefore not difficult to imagine what could happen on the propeller of a powerboat.
The paint is durable and maintains its efficiency over time
During her usual summer cruise, the Daydreamer sailed between French Riviera, Corsica and Sardinia for a total of more than 1,000 nautical miles to which should be added other 500 miles covered before. This is a distance that most boats probably do not even cover in a year.
It was therefore an excellent test to see whether this anti-fouling for propellers by Crystal Boat remained effectively attached to the moving surfaces, without being consumed as quickly as the other traditional antifouling paints do.
At the end of out cruise, just a few days ago, the paint was still intact and perfectly covered all the parts and surfaces where it had been applied.
This is an amazing result, especially if we consider that this antifouling paint for propellers is totally biocide-free and bases its operation on the mechanics of its surface.
Conclusions
Thanks to Crystal 
Prop, the more the propeller revolves, the more the latter remains clean.
This is exactly the opposite of traditional paints with which, the more the propeller is used, the more the fouling proliferates on its surface due to the progressive decrease in biocidal power or the detachment of the paint itself.
Crystal Prop has proved to be an excellent solution which will make boat owners save their time, money and consumption.
Yes, because, thanks to its perfectly smooth surface, this antifouling paint for propellers also improves boat performance.
Where to buy Crystal Prop online:
Tribordo Marine Supplies: Crystal Prop Special Offer
COVERPLAST S.A.S.
Via Toscanini, 12
20010 ARLUNO (MI)
Phone. +39 02 90 15 236
4 Responses
I’m rather skeptical since I’ve tried various paint solutions over the past 10 years for the motoryacht’s prop and shafts (including Propspeed and similar products) – absolutely nothing worked. Good antifouling hull paint like Micron 99 works well and can last 2 years, but not the prop and shafts. The marina hare (in Fethiye, Turkey) is notorious for heavy barnacle growth due to mountain fresh water entering the bay. I’d like to be convinced otherwise.
Pierre
I had Crystal Prop applied to my propellor and rudder on a displacement motor cruiser (max speed 7-8 knots) 7 weeks ago.
The boat is moored in a sea water estuary in Australia, where growth is normally quite bad due to swift currents. The boat has been used once a week since the time of application and now has significant ‘hairy’ growth on the propellor and rudder. It has not come off when driven as I have taken photos before use and after use and there is absolutely no difference in amount of growth. Next I will try rubbing off the growth and see how hard it is to remove?
So far it is no different from just having normal anti foul on the propellor and rudder!
Hi any more updates on the performance of this product Cheers Greg
We did apply Crystal Prop on a 3-blade bronze propeller and immersed it in a salt water creek at Brisbane. The prop is hanging by the side of a pontoon since mid February, 2020. We keep on checking every few weeks, there is obviously growth on the blades and hub, but it could be rubbed off easily.
The paint is still intact. Will report in a few weeks time.