Of all the folding and feathering propellers on the market, which works the best? Over the years, I have heard of major power losses as well as poor reverse performance due to the use of a folding prop. This is a big concern for a cruiser (which means motoring 70% of the time). I can't afford to lose any speed or power from our Hunter 31 (13 HP). But what about the feathering props? Does anyone have advise for a fellow sailor? Thanks.
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One Guy's Experience
The new owner of my former V32 put a Martec folding prop on and gained, I think he said, about 1/2 knot average powering speed. My recollection is that the folders have cupped blades that, like a fixed, are more efficient than a flat blade as many feathering props. BTW, it reverses OK too but you have to use a lot of revs. Same comments as the charter boat equipped the same way across from me. So, I think folders may have a bad rap that may not be deserved. OTOH, another dock mate put on a three-blade feathering Max-prop that he loves. He and others say lots less vibration going to the three-blade. I haven't made up my mind whether to go to a two blade folding or three-blade feathering when I haul. Look in the Practical Sailor archives for the extensive test they did on a variety of props (with a university, I think). I will be interested in everyone's comments. I feel my wallet lightening again. Rick D.
The new owner of my former V32 put a Martec folding prop on and gained, I think he said, about 1/2 knot average powering speed. My recollection is that the folders have cupped blades that, like a fixed, are more efficient than a flat blade as many feathering props. BTW, it reverses OK too but you have to use a lot of revs. Same comments as the charter boat equipped the same way across from me. So, I think folders may have a bad rap that may not be deserved. OTOH, another dock mate put on a three-blade feathering Max-prop that he loves. He and others say lots less vibration going to the three-blade. I haven't made up my mind whether to go to a two blade folding or three-blade feathering when I haul. Look in the Practical Sailor archives for the extensive test they did on a variety of props (with a university, I think). I will be interested in everyone's comments. I feel my wallet lightening again. Rick D.
70% on the iron genny?
I'd look at a cruising spinnaker first! We are sailing 60 to 80% of the time we are cruising. (20 days this summer.) We bought a Doyle APC that keeps us sailing on days with light winds. (We turn on the engine if our sailing speed drops below 4 knots.) We also leave time in our schedule to wait for favorable winds. As for the prop question, I recommend multiple searches of the archives using the diffferent brand names involved. The topic has been very well explored by those with experience with each type. David Lady Lillie
I'd look at a cruising spinnaker first! We are sailing 60 to 80% of the time we are cruising. (20 days this summer.) We bought a Doyle APC that keeps us sailing on days with light winds. (We turn on the engine if our sailing speed drops below 4 knots.) We also leave time in our schedule to wait for favorable winds. As for the prop question, I recommend multiple searches of the archives using the diffferent brand names involved. The topic has been very well explored by those with experience with each type. David Lady Lillie
PS
The article Rick referred to in P.S. was in January 1995. The testing was done in conjunction with M.I.T. They rated the Autoprop as the best "overall" prop. Have one on my 410 and think its great. Some of the owners here have indicated they have problems with clearance. But if it fits its great. We're coastal cruisers with no racing. Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
The article Rick referred to in P.S. was in January 1995. The testing was done in conjunction with M.I.T. They rated the Autoprop as the best "overall" prop. Have one on my 410 and think its great. Some of the owners here have indicated they have problems with clearance. But if it fits its great. We're coastal cruisers with no racing. Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
Here's my nickles worth
I have been hearing the praises of feathering props and I say balony! I have a folding prop on my O'day 30. Ocassionally I have to get agressive with the throttle when backing. This is a small price to pay when compared to snagging a crab or lobster pot line. It would be extremely difficult to snag a line on a prop that is folded. while it seems to be realitavely easy to do so on a feathering type. I have hit ones under power before and never had one wrap around the shaft. A couple of weeks ago in new england on a friends J-42 that had a feathering prop we snagged a line, needless to say when the prop was put in gear it immediately wrapped it around the shaft and stopped the engine. It wrapped so tight that we could'nt get it off and had to be towed in.(the wind had died completely)the jury is still out as to whether there was any damage to shaft,prop, or transmission. Give me the folder any day, and at least 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of the feathering. granted you might catch it on the rudder but that will only slow you down and not dammage anything. capn jim of Que Pasa?
I have been hearing the praises of feathering props and I say balony! I have a folding prop on my O'day 30. Ocassionally I have to get agressive with the throttle when backing. This is a small price to pay when compared to snagging a crab or lobster pot line. It would be extremely difficult to snag a line on a prop that is folded. while it seems to be realitavely easy to do so on a feathering type. I have hit ones under power before and never had one wrap around the shaft. A couple of weeks ago in new england on a friends J-42 that had a feathering prop we snagged a line, needless to say when the prop was put in gear it immediately wrapped it around the shaft and stopped the engine. It wrapped so tight that we could'nt get it off and had to be towed in.(the wind had died completely)the jury is still out as to whether there was any damage to shaft,prop, or transmission. Give me the folder any day, and at least 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of the feathering. granted you might catch it on the rudder but that will only slow you down and not dammage anything. capn jim of Que Pasa?
Fold or Feather
I love my 2 blade max-prop. We have had it for several (9?) years. There is no loss in power moving forward, and reverse is awesome. Maintenance on the feathering prop requires some disassembly to lubricate every couple of years. However, if you are hauling out for the winters, this will be no problem. James has a good point that should be considered if there are many potential snags in your area. (Do you sail the Great Lakes? Are pots an issue there?) For me, on Stockton Lake, crab or lobster pots are not an issue. There is the occasional milk-jug-buoyed traut line, but most are back in the shallow areas of coves and not an issue. With either folding or feathering you should pick up a half a knot when under sail which is more than I gained by adding the 155% Genoa. (The prop was about one third the cost.) Fold or Feather, you won't be sorry. Ron Barrow Counterpoint - Hunter 33.5
I love my 2 blade max-prop. We have had it for several (9?) years. There is no loss in power moving forward, and reverse is awesome. Maintenance on the feathering prop requires some disassembly to lubricate every couple of years. However, if you are hauling out for the winters, this will be no problem. James has a good point that should be considered if there are many potential snags in your area. (Do you sail the Great Lakes? Are pots an issue there?) For me, on Stockton Lake, crab or lobster pots are not an issue. There is the occasional milk-jug-buoyed traut line, but most are back in the shallow areas of coves and not an issue. With either folding or feathering you should pick up a half a knot when under sail which is more than I gained by adding the 155% Genoa. (The prop was about one third the cost.) Fold or Feather, you won't be sorry. Ron Barrow Counterpoint - Hunter 33.5
Need two props.
For different conditions I think you need two props. For my normal sailing on Lake Erie I love my "Flex-O-Fold". It backs a little better than the original 2-blade, makes 5 knots at 2000 RPM(20hp, 18000#). Best of all there is NO drag. What a difference sailing, and it is a sailboat. But I figure when I go up to the North Channel or down the ICW I will want a 3-blade. So I will just install a standard old Michigan prop. When most of my "sailing" will be motoring why spend a lot of money? Both props are easily installed in the water(if it is warm enough).
For different conditions I think you need two props. For my normal sailing on Lake Erie I love my "Flex-O-Fold". It backs a little better than the original 2-blade, makes 5 knots at 2000 RPM(20hp, 18000#). Best of all there is NO drag. What a difference sailing, and it is a sailboat. But I figure when I go up to the North Channel or down the ICW I will want a 3-blade. So I will just install a standard old Michigan prop. When most of my "sailing" will be motoring why spend a lot of money? Both props are easily installed in the water(if it is warm enough).
Autoprop
I have an Autoprop and it is great. More power, great in reverse (backs up almost straight. Higher speed with lower RPMs.
I have an Autoprop and it is great. More power, great in reverse (backs up almost straight. Higher speed with lower RPMs.
Maz Prop owner here
We have the feathering Max prop on our 411. I honeslty can not tell you exactly how much faster we go after the prop is feathered, however; I can't say enough about how well the boat motors and especially backs up. The Max prop, when in reverse, actually flips the blades over, and now the cutting edge is now facing the rear and cuts through the water the way a fixed prop does going forward, I know the prop works when it gets feathered, because I have, on numerous, ocasions, went below while underway and confirmed that my prop shaft is not rotating. I would suggest one. They are pricey however and your prop shaft will need to be modified. Your fixed prop will never go on that shaft again. Fair Winds, Jack B-411
We have the feathering Max prop on our 411. I honeslty can not tell you exactly how much faster we go after the prop is feathered, however; I can't say enough about how well the boat motors and especially backs up. The Max prop, when in reverse, actually flips the blades over, and now the cutting edge is now facing the rear and cuts through the water the way a fixed prop does going forward, I know the prop works when it gets feathered, because I have, on numerous, ocasions, went below while underway and confirmed that my prop shaft is not rotating. I would suggest one. They are pricey however and your prop shaft will need to be modified. Your fixed prop will never go on that shaft again. Fair Winds, Jack B-411
Max Prop
After using the factory delivered 3 bladed fixed prop on my 420 from Apr. thru Sept. of last year (to see how the boat performed under power in various conditions w/ the fixed prop), I switched to an 18", 3 bladed Max Prop last Fall (Oct.), pitching it per Max Prop's instructions. Took the boat to Key West from Oct. to May, motoring and sailing down (& back up) the ICW (& offshore) . The Max Prop gave almost identical speed at same RPM as fixed prop in all conditions. It delivered much greater thrust in reverse, and (I belive) the boat sailed a bit faster because of the feathering. The only difference I have noticed is that the engine seems to burn perhaps .1-.2gal/hr more fuel w/ the Max Prop than it did w/ the fixed 3 bladed prop. I assume that this may be because the Max Prop is not "cupped". Overall, I have been very pleased w/ the Max Prop. Twice, it pulled me off when I went aground in the ICW (I'm not sure that the fixed would have). There is little or no vibration. Fortunatly, I have avoided crab (and lobster) pots; but, I'm sure my day will come. Will be hauling to check (and lube)it in a couple of weeks, then heading South again. I disagree w/ Jack re. not being able to ever use fixed prop again. I was able to cut off enough of the end of the shaft to accomodate the Max Prop, while still leaving enough thread for shaft nut to hold the old fixed prop if I should need to put it back on. The remaing length of thread is minimual, but it will work.
After using the factory delivered 3 bladed fixed prop on my 420 from Apr. thru Sept. of last year (to see how the boat performed under power in various conditions w/ the fixed prop), I switched to an 18", 3 bladed Max Prop last Fall (Oct.), pitching it per Max Prop's instructions. Took the boat to Key West from Oct. to May, motoring and sailing down (& back up) the ICW (& offshore) . The Max Prop gave almost identical speed at same RPM as fixed prop in all conditions. It delivered much greater thrust in reverse, and (I belive) the boat sailed a bit faster because of the feathering. The only difference I have noticed is that the engine seems to burn perhaps .1-.2gal/hr more fuel w/ the Max Prop than it did w/ the fixed 3 bladed prop. I assume that this may be because the Max Prop is not "cupped". Overall, I have been very pleased w/ the Max Prop. Twice, it pulled me off when I went aground in the ICW (I'm not sure that the fixed would have). There is little or no vibration. Fortunatly, I have avoided crab (and lobster) pots; but, I'm sure my day will come. Will be hauling to check (and lube)it in a couple of weeks, then heading South again. I disagree w/ Jack re. not being able to ever use fixed prop again. I was able to cut off enough of the end of the shaft to accomodate the Max Prop, while still leaving enough thread for shaft nut to hold the old fixed prop if I should need to put it back on. The remaing length of thread is minimual, but it will work.
Autostream
I have an Autostream three blade feathering prop made in Australia and sold here by Martec.I obtained a lower price through BOAT US special order than from Martec. This prop is stainless and has pitch independently adjustable in forward or reverse. It will stop my Catalina 36 in one boat length from 5 knots, very handy when maneuvering speed is required for docking in windy conditions, boat cruises at 7 knots at 2500 RPM. It was about 15% less cost than a Max Prop and seems to have no disadvantage when compared to it.
I have an Autostream three blade feathering prop made in Australia and sold here by Martec.I obtained a lower price through BOAT US special order than from Martec. This prop is stainless and has pitch independently adjustable in forward or reverse. It will stop my Catalina 36 in one boat length from 5 knots, very handy when maneuvering speed is required for docking in windy conditions, boat cruises at 7 knots at 2500 RPM. It was about 15% less cost than a Max Prop and seems to have no disadvantage when compared to it.
maxprop vs autoprop
Take a look at the autoprop-it will go on an unmodified shaft, so you can use your old prop as a spare-and the blades are cupped for greater efficiency
Take a look at the autoprop-it will go on an unmodified shaft, so you can use your old prop as a spare-and the blades are cupped for greater efficiency
Max Prop or Autoprop
I have a 3-blade Max Prop on my 30' Seafarer and it was the best upgrade I have ever purchased. I considered both the Max Prop and Autoprop. Went with the Max Prop because of concern over fit and have not been dissapointed. The only mod to the shaft was to shorten the threads a little with a hack saw and I can still use my fixed prop, if required. Good Luck with your purchase. Julio
I have a 3-blade Max Prop on my 30' Seafarer and it was the best upgrade I have ever purchased. I considered both the Max Prop and Autoprop. Went with the Max Prop because of concern over fit and have not been dissapointed. The only mod to the shaft was to shorten the threads a little with a hack saw and I can still use my fixed prop, if required. Good Luck with your purchase. Julio
Autoprop
We put an Autoprop on our Catalina 400 mkII and have been very pleased. It is important to occasionally put it in a quick reverse mode to be sure no barnacles begin to build up on the prop for peak performance.
We put an Autoprop on our Catalina 400 mkII and have been very pleased. It is important to occasionally put it in a quick reverse mode to be sure no barnacles begin to build up on the prop for peak performance.
Look at the Kiwi Prop
Brent, Although I do not have one, I have been looking at the Kiwi Feathering Prop. The blades are made of high strength plastic and each blade feathers independent of the others. It has the most thrust of all the feathering props in the market. It also costs at least 1/3 less. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
Brent, Although I do not have one, I have been looking at the Kiwi Feathering Prop. The blades are made of high strength plastic and each blade feathers independent of the others. It has the most thrust of all the feathering props in the market. It also costs at least 1/3 less. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh '86 C-36 #560
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