How to Protect Boat Props: Coatings, Corrosion & Why Bottom Paint Is Bad

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 14:30:46 +0000

Skipper Large Powerboat Course - https://www.nauticed.org/powerboating-courses/view/skipper-large-powerboat?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=jeBCCli7Q8I

New England Propeller - https://neprop.com

Do NOT use bottom paint on your propeller. Most bottom paints contain metals that react with prop metals and accelerate corrosion/electrolysis. In this practical guide, we explain what to use (and what to avoid), how marina electrical currents vs mooring/trailering affect corrosion risk, and why your zincs must stay bare (no coating on the zincs or on the shaft where they clamp).

What you’ll learn
- Why bottom paint is wrong for props: metal-on-metal reactions → corrosion
- Coatings vs nothing: when growth pressure is high, prop-specific coatings (e.g., PropSpeed and similar) can help—results vary by harbor and maintenance
- Electrolysis basics: marina currents increase risk; mooring/trailering reduce exposure
- Zincs matter: never coat anodes or the metal-to-metal contact area on the shaft
- Cost reality: coatings can be pricey; some boaters re-coat and still haul quickly if growth returns

00:00 - Don’t Use Bottom Paint
00:12 - Why Props Corrode
00:43 - Don’t Coat Your Zincs
00:55 - Should You Coat a Prop?
01:21 - Prop Speed vs Bottom Paint
01:41 - Costly Re-Coating Problem