Press release -
Propspeed foul-release technology helps reduce boaters’ fuel costs
Auckland, New Zealand, 8 June 2022 – 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, Propspeed’s Sales Director, EMEA 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.”
He 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. This is a significant saving that confirms good propeller protection is just as important as using quality bottom coatings.”
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.
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 include Propspeed for running gear and any underwater metals, Foulfree for transducers and Lightspeed for underwater lighting. For more information on Propspeed or its premium coatings, please visit www.propspeed.com.
Ends
Media contacts:
Lina Leks
Propspeed
Marketing Manager
T: +64 27 464 4380
Ema Murphy
Saltwater Stone
PR Account Executive
T: +44 (0) 1202 669244
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About Propspeed
Propspeed is dedicated to protecting the performance of underwater assets such as propellers, shafts, rudders, all underwater metals, transducers and lighting without doing harm to humans or the marine environment. Over the past 21 years the company has developed three coatings for specific applications. Applying Propspeed, Foulfree or Lightspeed to their dedicated substrates creates a biocide free surface that is exceptionally difficult for marine organisms to attach to. Improving performance, lowering fuel and operational costs, and keeping lighting clear and transducers working effectively throughout the season. Highly effective on underwater metal parts, no other system can match the proven success record on either leisure or commercial vessels. Propspeed is based in New Zealand, the home of sailing, with worldwide distribution and service.
