I think I am going to buy an Autoprop and would like any and all feedback, especially if someone has one on the 356 or newer 36. I have always been disappointed with the motoring speed (5.9KTs @ 3000 RPM - clean bottom, etc) with the 16X10 3 blade fixed and am curious to get some hard numbers from other owners with this hull and the Yanmar 3GM30 (27hp.) Pricing data would also be appreciated.
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AUTOPROP
I HAD AN AUTOPROP ON A 35.5 HUNTER. THE PROP IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND VERY HEAVY. MY BOAT SPEED WITH THE STANDARD 2 BLADE PROP WAS HULL SPEED. THE AUTOPROP WOULD DO THE SAME AT ABOUT THE SAME RPM,AS LONG AS THE PROP IS CLEAN. IF I GOT ANY GROWTH OR FOUL ON THE PROP I COULD NOT GET ABOVE 3000 RPM AND IF I TRIED THE BACK OF THE BOAT WOULD GO UP IN SMOKE. THERE WERE SEVERAL 7+ DAY TRIPS THAT I OR SOMEONE WOULD DIVE TO CLEAN THE PROP. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE STARTED USING OIL AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS.ONE OF THE BLADES ALSO FELL OFF WITHOUT WARNING.AUTOPROP WAS NO HELP OTHER THAN WANTING $1395.00 TO REPLACE THE MISSING BLADE.TO THIS DAY THEY STILL HAVE MY PROP.
I HAD AN AUTOPROP ON A 35.5 HUNTER. THE PROP IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND VERY HEAVY. MY BOAT SPEED WITH THE STANDARD 2 BLADE PROP WAS HULL SPEED. THE AUTOPROP WOULD DO THE SAME AT ABOUT THE SAME RPM,AS LONG AS THE PROP IS CLEAN. IF I GOT ANY GROWTH OR FOUL ON THE PROP I COULD NOT GET ABOVE 3000 RPM AND IF I TRIED THE BACK OF THE BOAT WOULD GO UP IN SMOKE. THERE WERE SEVERAL 7+ DAY TRIPS THAT I OR SOMEONE WOULD DIVE TO CLEAN THE PROP. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE STARTED USING OIL AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS.ONE OF THE BLADES ALSO FELL OFF WITHOUT WARNING.AUTOPROP WAS NO HELP OTHER THAN WANTING $1395.00 TO REPLACE THE MISSING BLADE.TO THIS DAY THEY STILL HAVE MY PROP.
autoprop
Syros, look in the archives for previous posts... We've got an autoprop on our 2002 356 and are really happy with it. With the factory 3 blade fixed, we turned 7kts at 3400 rpm-with the autoprop, same speed at 2750, she backs much better, and we have better control and acceleration. sailing speed is up 3/4 to 1 kt depending on the conditions. We have have no problems in 3 years, just change the prop zinc and grease at haulout. I don't understand bayhawk's issue, since AB marine, the importer, ha been very helpful and responsive, and I don't see how he could just "lose" a blade-they ride on very robust bearings on a large shaft, secured with a nut, locking ring and an outer cap. I can only assume he had an earlier design. When I inquired about a spare blade, I was given a number more like $500-but I had to send the prop back so the blades could be matched-if you feel you need a spare, order it with the prop. Yes, it's somewhat heavier than the stock prop, but so are the other solutions-it's lighter than a maxprop, and has significant performance advantages
Syros, look in the archives for previous posts... We've got an autoprop on our 2002 356 and are really happy with it. With the factory 3 blade fixed, we turned 7kts at 3400 rpm-with the autoprop, same speed at 2750, she backs much better, and we have better control and acceleration. sailing speed is up 3/4 to 1 kt depending on the conditions. We have have no problems in 3 years, just change the prop zinc and grease at haulout. I don't understand bayhawk's issue, since AB marine, the importer, ha been very helpful and responsive, and I don't see how he could just "lose" a blade-they ride on very robust bearings on a large shaft, secured with a nut, locking ring and an outer cap. I can only assume he had an earlier design. When I inquired about a spare blade, I was given a number more like $500-but I had to send the prop back so the blades could be matched-if you feel you need a spare, order it with the prop. Yes, it's somewhat heavier than the stock prop, but so are the other solutions-it's lighter than a maxprop, and has significant performance advantages
thanks
I saw both of your diametrically opposed experiences and was hoping maybe someone else would chime in. I was also very interested in the max prop VP, but it is not available for the 1" shaft (starts at 1.125".) After being underpitched for a year and a half I want to ability to dial it up and down depending on load, etc.
I saw both of your diametrically opposed experiences and was hoping maybe someone else would chime in. I was also very interested in the max prop VP, but it is not available for the 1" shaft (starts at 1.125".) After being underpitched for a year and a half I want to ability to dial it up and down depending on load, etc.
Feathering props
Syros, I have the Max 3-blade and am very pleased. I support your desire to go with a prop that can be adjusted while in the water. I wished I would have spent the extra $400 to buy the VP. PYI suggested a setting of 22 degrees. This was too strong so the boat was hauled and adjusted down to 20. At this setting, I am 350 rpm's shy of reaching max rpm while under load. It needs to go to 18. Performance in reverse is outstanding. Sailing drag is up about 3/4 knot. I have heard good things about Autoprop so I suspect the other negative message here might be something that is not experienced by other users. If you can't get a 1" sized VP, then go with the Autoprop. I think you'll be pleased. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
Syros, I have the Max 3-blade and am very pleased. I support your desire to go with a prop that can be adjusted while in the water. I wished I would have spent the extra $400 to buy the VP. PYI suggested a setting of 22 degrees. This was too strong so the boat was hauled and adjusted down to 20. At this setting, I am 350 rpm's shy of reaching max rpm while under load. It needs to go to 18. Performance in reverse is outstanding. Sailing drag is up about 3/4 knot. I have heard good things about Autoprop so I suspect the other negative message here might be something that is not experienced by other users. If you can't get a 1" sized VP, then go with the Autoprop. I think you'll be pleased. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
REPLY TO CHUCK ON THE AUTOPROP
YOU ARE RIGHT IN THE BOAT BACKING DOWN BETTER AND THERE MAY HAVE BEEN SOME INCREASE IN SAILING SPEED. THE RESPONSE FROM AB MARINE WAS ALWAYS GOOD UNTIL I HAD THE PROBLEM. I LEFT MESSAGES AND SENT THE PROP BACK TO AB MARINE IN THE SUMMER OF 2004. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE UNTIL I TALKED TO THEM AT THE ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW IN OCT.'04. THE REPLY CAME AT THE END OF OCT. WITH A COST OF $1,395.00 TO REPLACE THE BLADE, SERVICE THE PROPELLER, RE-BALANCE AND RETURN THE PROP. I TALKED TO THEM AGAIN AT THE '05 ANNAPOLIS SHOW. THEY WERE GOING TO REVISIT THIS AND GET BACK TO ME. SO FAR I HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE FROM THEM. $500.00 I COULD LIVE WITH BUT NOT $1395.00
YOU ARE RIGHT IN THE BOAT BACKING DOWN BETTER AND THERE MAY HAVE BEEN SOME INCREASE IN SAILING SPEED. THE RESPONSE FROM AB MARINE WAS ALWAYS GOOD UNTIL I HAD THE PROBLEM. I LEFT MESSAGES AND SENT THE PROP BACK TO AB MARINE IN THE SUMMER OF 2004. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE UNTIL I TALKED TO THEM AT THE ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW IN OCT.'04. THE REPLY CAME AT THE END OF OCT. WITH A COST OF $1,395.00 TO REPLACE THE BLADE, SERVICE THE PROPELLER, RE-BALANCE AND RETURN THE PROP. I TALKED TO THEM AGAIN AT THE '05 ANNAPOLIS SHOW. THEY WERE GOING TO REVISIT THIS AND GET BACK TO ME. SO FAR I HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE FROM THEM. $500.00 I COULD LIVE WITH BUT NOT $1395.00
autoprop problems
Bayhawk, what year was your autoprop? I know there was a major revision to the bearing design over 4 years ago (mine is the new version)-you may have the older one.... I guess my real question for you is why this has dragged on for so long-I'd be on the phone to them every day, writing letters, and maybe involving my lawyer. If nothing more, I'd be pointing out the impact of bad publicity on their sales if they don't support their customers
Bayhawk, what year was your autoprop? I know there was a major revision to the bearing design over 4 years ago (mine is the new version)-you may have the older one.... I guess my real question for you is why this has dragged on for so long-I'd be on the phone to them every day, writing letters, and maybe involving my lawyer. If nothing more, I'd be pointing out the impact of bad publicity on their sales if they don't support their customers
KIWI Prop
Syros, You should check out the KIWI feathering prop before you buy. I have had one on my Legend 35.5 for 5 seasons. I am very happy with the prop. Performance is great and 1/2 the cost of autoprop and maxprop. Dave s/v Compass Rose
Syros, You should check out the KIWI feathering prop before you buy. I have had one on my Legend 35.5 for 5 seasons. I am very happy with the prop. Performance is great and 1/2 the cost of autoprop and maxprop. Dave s/v Compass Rose
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