Stainless steel props slowing down...
 

Hi!

I have discovered that stainless steel propellers get gray of salt, expecially if you have touched them with your fingers / hand.

In a few days time, a high polished prop will be covered with ”satin finish spots” with salt. I have experienced reduced rpms and performance from this. Do you know if any method to maintain the prop high gloss polished?

Cheeeers, Toffen G - Norway

Re: Stainless steel props slowing down...
 

To clean build up from the propellers use toilet bowl cleaners.

To maintain either high gloss or satin finish, rinse with fresh water after using in salt H2O, dry, and apply light film of CRC or WD40.

Re: Stainless steel props slowing down...
 

Toffen,
We have this problem with boats in the Key West area. A tournament fisherman's props will look just as you described when they come in from just one day of fishing after running a couple hundred miles.

Use any of the cleaners that claim to remove rust, calcium and lime. If the buildup is heavy you may have to let it soak for an hour or so. The quickest method is to use muriatic acid. If you use it you need to be in a well ventilated area and rinse the props with lots of water. Don't do it on concrete! Then spray them with WD40, or something similar.
Matt