Change prop to Autostream feathering

[Jarvis]

I currently have a standard three blade 19x17 for my h460. I am looking to buy an Autostream feathering three blade prop. Has anybody had experance with this prop? What size should I get? What problems have you had? Does it really backup better with less prop walk? Who is good for installing and adjusting it in mid-Chesapeake Bay?

Thanks.

 

[Mikem]

I had an 18x17 fixed on my 466 and just went to a flexofold 3 blade, 20x14. See a brief video on it. A good friend of mine had a 2001 460. He started with the 18x17, went to a Maxprop three blade then became disillusioned when he had a $1500 rebuild due to galvanic corrosion and finally settled on the flexofold noted above. Of the three props he was most satisfied with the flexofold.

Steve Pettengill, of Hunter Marine was on our boat last summer and thought that our boat was overpropped as the engine only revved to 3400rpm. With the new flexofold I now get the advertised 3600rpm and gained .2kt to 8.8kts at wide open throttle. Backing was fine with a bit less propwalk than my fixed prop. The engine seems quieter but maybe that is my imagination. Haven't had the chance to sail it yet. Just my $.02.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGrK6x42xgI

 

[Rick D]

Lots of Guys With Them In SoCal...

...probably because they are sold through SoCal's Martec Sailboat Propellers. Everone I know who has them are totally satisfied in their choice. Having said that, it does nothing for you in your location. Good luck!

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I have an autostream on our 356. I like it. Easily adjusted while in the water if you need to. We have not owned the boat long but the prop has been on 10 years. I backs with very little prop walk, lots of power, stops on a dime. The zincs may not be the most easy to get so I bought 3 when I found a dealer in Miami with some.
The manufacturer support is great. I have sent them several emails with questions and got response in hours. I am not the original purchaser so I like that kind of support.
Bob

 

[Rich Stidger]

AutoStream Zinc Solution

Bob-

The zincs are not easy to find and are very expensive when you do find them.

My solution was to machine a piece of stainless and fasten it to the existing zinc post on the prop. Then attach a standard 3/4" prop zinc. Cost savings- about $35 per zinc. It might be ugly, but the fish don't care. I've used this for nearly 10 years.

 

[Lee Hadjiosif]

Bob-

The zincs are not easy to find and are very expensive when you do find them.

My solution was to machine a piece of stainless and fasten it to the existing zinc post on the prop. Then attach a standard 3/4" prop zinc. Cost savings- about $35 per zinc. It might be ugly, but the fish don't care. I've used this for nearly 10 years.

Rich,
What type of paint is that on the prop? I've used all kinds in the past with no success. I have and Autoprop which is similar to yours. Thanks.
Lee

 

[Bob 04 H260]

Bob-

The zincs are not easy to find and are very expensive when you do find them.

My solution was to machine a piece of stainless and fasten it to the existing zinc post on the prop. Then attach a standard 3/4" prop zinc. Cost savings- about $35 per zinc. It might be ugly, but the fish don't care. I've used this for nearly 10 years.

Hey Rich, very smart idea, I may copy that.

I also noticed you can buy them here at a fair price, $18,
http://www.boatzincs.com/autostream.html

Bob

 

[Rich Stidger]

Rich,
What type of paint is that on the prop? I've used all kinds in the past with no success. I have and Autoprop which is similar to yours. Thanks.
Lee

The coating is Pettit Zinc Barnacle Coating. It comes in a spray can for about $18. You apply 4-5 thin coats and one can will last for two years.

I have tried all kinds of stuff from cheap to outrageous and the zinc spray does as good a job as anything else in my area. And it is very easy to apply.

BTW, last year I bought a can of "Cold Galvanize" at the local Ace hardware store. According to the label it is nearly pure zinc (about 96%) and that content matches the Pettit Zinc Barnacle Coating. So I used it instead of the Pettit figuring that if it didn't work I just wouldn't use it again.

Well, the performance was just as good as the Pettit. So now I'm buying the cold galvanize for $6-7 per can instead of the Pettit at $18.

I just love cheap stuff that works.....

 

[ms-card@cox.com]

Jarvis,

If you find yourself sailing in areas of seaweed, you might consider a folding instead of a feathering prop. Yeah $$$.

Mike

 

[evinrudejim]

cold galvanize?

The coating is Pettit Zinc Barnacle Coating. It comes in a spray can for about $18. You apply 4-5 thin coats and one can will last for two years.

I have tried all kinds of stuff from cheap to outrageous and the zinc spray does as good a job as anything else in my area. And it is very easy to apply.

BTW, last year I bought a can of "Cold Galvanize" at the local Ace hardware store. According to the label it is nearly pure zinc (about 96%) and that content matches the Pettit Zinc Barnacle Coating. So I used it instead of the Pettit figuring that if it didn't work I just wouldn't use it again.

Well, the performance was just as good as the Pettit. So now I'm buying the cold galvanize for $6-7 per can instead of the Pettit at $18.

I just love cheap stuff that works.....

I would think that the zinc-rich paint would tend to induce more electrolysis on the blades...just sayin

 

[Mikem]

I used the Petit barnacle paint on my fixed three blade. Worked well. No issues.