Installing a feathering prop. What effects should occur with boat handling, especially going in reverse
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Auto Prop
Carl, I had a friend of mine that had chartered a new Beneteau 473 on the Bay a couple of summers ago with an Auto Prop, and it indeed one of the blade fell off creating a lot of vibration, shortly there after I noticed the hads a recall of this prop. He also hd the same prop on his Catalina 400. I beleive they paid for the haul out or diver to remove and re-install the prop after it was reworked. I have a two blade Flex-O-Folod on my 37.5 probable one one of the best thing I have ever bought for the boat. Capt, Ron
Carl, I had a friend of mine that had chartered a new Beneteau 473 on the Bay a couple of summers ago with an Auto Prop, and it indeed one of the blade fell off creating a lot of vibration, shortly there after I noticed the hads a recall of this prop. He also hd the same prop on his Catalina 400. I beleive they paid for the haul out or diver to remove and re-install the prop after it was reworked. I have a two blade Flex-O-Folod on my 37.5 probable one one of the best thing I have ever bought for the boat. Capt, Ron
autoprop
it's hard to see how a blade could come off a current model autoprop since the large bearing retaining nuts are locked on with a locking tab washer (you need a hammer and screwdriver to open them) and then a screw on retainer/grease cap on top. We've had our autoprop for 4 years and love it!
it's hard to see how a blade could come off a current model autoprop since the large bearing retaining nuts are locked on with a locking tab washer (you need a hammer and screwdriver to open them) and then a screw on retainer/grease cap on top. We've had our autoprop for 4 years and love it!
Max Prop
We have a 3-blade Max-Prop feathering propeller on our Hunter 36 and love it. I have not experienced any vibration problems at all. When we enter our marina to go to the slip, we routinely stop and then back up, going down the channel backwards and turning sharply to our left into the slip. We do this so that the stern is right at the dock, making for super easy boarding. Steering in reverse is superb. When we switch from forward to reverse the boat makes a very slight turn to starboard in the few moments before we gain some backward velocity, but nothing dramatic. when going from reverse to forward, of course, there is no tendency to drift in direction. I can't see how it could be any better.
We have a 3-blade Max-Prop feathering propeller on our Hunter 36 and love it. I have not experienced any vibration problems at all. When we enter our marina to go to the slip, we routinely stop and then back up, going down the channel backwards and turning sharply to our left into the slip. We do this so that the stern is right at the dock, making for super easy boarding. Steering in reverse is superb. When we switch from forward to reverse the boat makes a very slight turn to starboard in the few moments before we gain some backward velocity, but nothing dramatic. when going from reverse to forward, of course, there is no tendency to drift in direction. I can't see how it could be any better.
Expect superior handling in reverse
Have used a Maxprop for more than 10 years and confirm the previous poster's experience. You will find yourself backing into tight spots and, in particular, slowly backing into the wind (e.g. when approaching a mooring buoy or seawall) when the bow would have blown off immediately if attempting the same maneuver in forward. Have fun! Flying Dutchman
Have used a Maxprop for more than 10 years and confirm the previous poster's experience. You will find yourself backing into tight spots and, in particular, slowly backing into the wind (e.g. when approaching a mooring buoy or seawall) when the bow would have blown off immediately if attempting the same maneuver in forward. Have fun! Flying Dutchman
I have contacted Maxi-Prop for there input on loosing blades. I have been sailing throughout the world and this comment on loosing a blade is new to me and the sailors at the marina.
Effects of a Maxi prop
I have a Max prop on my 420 and its great. The effects if I remember the numbers are that the forward motion compared to just a 3 bladed same size prop is 95% of a standard prop. The reverse motion is equal to the power in the forward motion and under sail since the prop blades rotate to reduce drag you sail faster. These numbers are based on motoring and may be off a little. But be assured that you will have a lot more power in reverse.
I have a Max prop on my 420 and its great. The effects if I remember the numbers are that the forward motion compared to just a 3 bladed same size prop is 95% of a standard prop. The reverse motion is equal to the power in the forward motion and under sail since the prop blades rotate to reduce drag you sail faster. These numbers are based on motoring and may be off a little. But be assured that you will have a lot more power in reverse.
What is a autoprop vs a feathering prop
Whst is the difference between a maxi-prop (feathering) and a autoprop or what other type props.
Whst is the difference between a maxi-prop (feathering) and a autoprop or what other type props.
max prop vs autoprop (long)
Let me try.... max props use a fairly flat blade (s) mounted in a geared hub.when in forward, they work much like a fixed prop but with less efficiency because the flat blades are not as efficient as the typical curved blades. the curved blades on a fixed prop maintain even water speed over the blades-the tips move faster thru the water so they need less pitch than the inner part of the blade-when you put the prop in reverse the hub rotates the blades so they work more efficiently in reverse than a std prop.when placed in reverse and shut down, the blades feather. good point-the gearing forces the blades into position, where a folding prop a blade can stick. bad part, the prop's leading edge becomes the trailing edge in reverse, not optimal. the geared hub needs to be lubed periodically, and comes in two versions-the cheaper one needs to be disassembled to adjust the pitch of the prop, the more expensive version can be adjusted in the water.well proven and reliable. the autoprop is a british design, also well proven and reliable, used on many large ships it uses a solid hub with large ball bearing races holding L shaped blades that swivel freely. the blades are curved (pitch varies along the blade)so it is very efficient. in forward, the blades swivel to get the best pitch forward for whatever you're doing (more in a moment). When you go into reverse, the blades flip around to give the best pitch in reverse-and the leading edge is still leading so the prop is very efficient in reverse, too! with the engine stopped under sail, the water flowing by the blades holds them feathered for low drag. The net effect is very high efficiency in forward and reverse, very low drag under sail, and very good acceleration. the pitch of the prop is determined by the relationship of engine rpms to water speed past the prop, so pitch increases at low boat speeds for better acceleration, then decreases as you get up to speed. While I haven't done 0-6 times, the acceleration is substantially better than my old 3 blade fixed. this is a great feature fighting into a headwind or sea, or if you are towing. Also, it enhances maneuvering and backing. Hard numbers: under sail, gained 3/4-1kt from the prop change. Under power, used to reach 7kts at 3400rpm, now at 2700 rpm. Only maintenance is annual greasing of the bearings thru grease fittings-can even be done under water. go to their website (autoprop.com) and watch the video of the prop in action-my words don't do it justice
Let me try.... max props use a fairly flat blade (s) mounted in a geared hub.when in forward, they work much like a fixed prop but with less efficiency because the flat blades are not as efficient as the typical curved blades. the curved blades on a fixed prop maintain even water speed over the blades-the tips move faster thru the water so they need less pitch than the inner part of the blade-when you put the prop in reverse the hub rotates the blades so they work more efficiently in reverse than a std prop.when placed in reverse and shut down, the blades feather. good point-the gearing forces the blades into position, where a folding prop a blade can stick. bad part, the prop's leading edge becomes the trailing edge in reverse, not optimal. the geared hub needs to be lubed periodically, and comes in two versions-the cheaper one needs to be disassembled to adjust the pitch of the prop, the more expensive version can be adjusted in the water.well proven and reliable. the autoprop is a british design, also well proven and reliable, used on many large ships it uses a solid hub with large ball bearing races holding L shaped blades that swivel freely. the blades are curved (pitch varies along the blade)so it is very efficient. in forward, the blades swivel to get the best pitch forward for whatever you're doing (more in a moment). When you go into reverse, the blades flip around to give the best pitch in reverse-and the leading edge is still leading so the prop is very efficient in reverse, too! with the engine stopped under sail, the water flowing by the blades holds them feathered for low drag. The net effect is very high efficiency in forward and reverse, very low drag under sail, and very good acceleration. the pitch of the prop is determined by the relationship of engine rpms to water speed past the prop, so pitch increases at low boat speeds for better acceleration, then decreases as you get up to speed. While I haven't done 0-6 times, the acceleration is substantially better than my old 3 blade fixed. this is a great feature fighting into a headwind or sea, or if you are towing. Also, it enhances maneuvering and backing. Hard numbers: under sail, gained 3/4-1kt from the prop change. Under power, used to reach 7kts at 3400rpm, now at 2700 rpm. Only maintenance is annual greasing of the bearings thru grease fittings-can even be done under water. go to their website (autoprop.com) and watch the video of the prop in action-my words don't do it justice
AUTO PROP
A BLADE FELL OFF THE AUTOPROP WITH NO WARNING ON MY FIRST TRIP IN 2004. THE ONLY RESPONSE FROM AB MARINE IS THAT THEY WILL ONLY REPAIR IT FOR $1395.00. I WAS TOLD THAT MY PROP WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I SENT THE PROP BACK, WITH A LETTER IN THE SUMMER OF 2004. I LEFT VOICE MESSAGES AND SENT FAXES WITH NO RESPONCE. IT TOOK A FACE TO FACE MEETING IN ANNAPOLIS, AT THE BOAT SHOW, TO GET A RESPONSE. I TALKED TO AB MARINE AGAIN AT THE 2005 ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD REVISIT THIS MATTER. IT IS NOW MID FEBRUARY WITH NO CONTACT FROM THEM. I WONDER IF THIS IS THE WAY THEY TREAT ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS? THE PROP WORKED VERY WELL AS LONG AS THERE WAS LITTLE OR NO FOULING OR GROWTH ON THE BLADES UP UNTIL ONE OF THE BLADES FELL OFF.
A BLADE FELL OFF THE AUTOPROP WITH NO WARNING ON MY FIRST TRIP IN 2004. THE ONLY RESPONSE FROM AB MARINE IS THAT THEY WILL ONLY REPAIR IT FOR $1395.00. I WAS TOLD THAT MY PROP WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I SENT THE PROP BACK, WITH A LETTER IN THE SUMMER OF 2004. I LEFT VOICE MESSAGES AND SENT FAXES WITH NO RESPONCE. IT TOOK A FACE TO FACE MEETING IN ANNAPOLIS, AT THE BOAT SHOW, TO GET A RESPONSE. I TALKED TO AB MARINE AGAIN AT THE 2005 ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD REVISIT THIS MATTER. IT IS NOW MID FEBRUARY WITH NO CONTACT FROM THEM. I WONDER IF THIS IS THE WAY THEY TREAT ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS? THE PROP WORKED VERY WELL AS LONG AS THERE WAS LITTLE OR NO FOULING OR GROWTH ON THE BLADES UP UNTIL ONE OF THE BLADES FELL OFF.
AUTO PROP
A BLADE FELL OFF THE AUTOPROP WITH NO WARNING ON MY FIRST TRIP IN 2004. THE ONLY RESPONSE FROM AB MARINE IS THAT THEY WILL ONLY REPAIR IT FOR $1395.00. I WAS TOLD THAT MY PROP WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I SENT THE PROP BACK, WITH A LETTER IN THE SUMMER OF 2004. I LEFT VOICE MESSAGES AND SENT FAXES WITH NO RESPONCE. IT TOOK A FACE TO FACE MEETING IN ANNAPOLIS, AT THE BOAT SHOW, TO GET A RESPONSE. I TALKED TO AB MARINE AGAIN AT THE 2005 ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD REVISIT THIS MATTER. IT IS NOW MID FEBRUARY WITH NO CONTACT FROM THEM. I WONDER IF THIS IS THE WAY THEY TREAT ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS? THE PROP WORKED VERY WELL AS LONG AS THERE WAS LITTLE OR NO FOULING OR GROWTH ON THE BLADES UP UNTIL ONE OF THE BLADES FELL OFF.
A BLADE FELL OFF THE AUTOPROP WITH NO WARNING ON MY FIRST TRIP IN 2004. THE ONLY RESPONSE FROM AB MARINE IS THAT THEY WILL ONLY REPAIR IT FOR $1395.00. I WAS TOLD THAT MY PROP WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I SENT THE PROP BACK, WITH A LETTER IN THE SUMMER OF 2004. I LEFT VOICE MESSAGES AND SENT FAXES WITH NO RESPONCE. IT TOOK A FACE TO FACE MEETING IN ANNAPOLIS, AT THE BOAT SHOW, TO GET A RESPONSE. I TALKED TO AB MARINE AGAIN AT THE 2005 ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD REVISIT THIS MATTER. IT IS NOW MID FEBRUARY WITH NO CONTACT FROM THEM. I WONDER IF THIS IS THE WAY THEY TREAT ALL THEIR CUSTOMERS? THE PROP WORKED VERY WELL AS LONG AS THERE WAS LITTLE OR NO FOULING OR GROWTH ON THE BLADES UP UNTIL ONE OF THE BLADES FELL OFF.
Kiwi Prop
How come no one mentions the Kiwi Prop. I love mine. The boat backs as well as it goes forward! And... this prop is about half the cost of all that are mentioned. I paid about $1200 delivered to Buffalo. Great company to work with!!!!!!! Wayne "Sine Wave"
How come no one mentions the Kiwi Prop. I love mine. The boat backs as well as it goes forward! And... this prop is about half the cost of all that are mentioned. I paid about $1200 delivered to Buffalo. Great company to work with!!!!!!! Wayne "Sine Wave"
AUTOSTREAM PROP
The autostream is all stainless and for $1700 well worth it, also from down-under..
The autostream is all stainless and for $1700 well worth it, also from down-under..
Props
The different type of props will be an excellent article for a sailing magazine. It is difficult to make a value judgement when there are man choices.
The different type of props will be an excellent article for a sailing magazine. It is difficult to make a value judgement when there are man choices.
Carl-autoprop
Carl, there's no need to shout. AB marine has been very responsive to my calls with technical questions, have always returned calls as promised, and promptly shipped parts when asked. I don't know what happened in your dealings with them, but obviously, something is wrong in this one case
Carl, there's no need to shout. AB marine has been very responsive to my calls with technical questions, have always returned calls as promised, and promptly shipped parts when asked. I don't know what happened in your dealings with them, but obviously, something is wrong in this one case
Kiwi Prop
Just installed one. Did a lot of research before buying it. The boat is not in the water, so I can't comment on preformance. I installed it on a Hunter 31. Did a Photo Forum.
Just installed one. Did a lot of research before buying it. The boat is not in the water, so I can't comment on preformance. I installed it on a Hunter 31. Did a Photo Forum.
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