Kiwiprop
- Thread starter JBerger
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I have a 2001 Bavaria 34 and replaced the original 2 bladed fixed prop with a kiwiprop three years ago. I noticed an immediate improvement in wake turbulence (less), a gain of around 1 knot under sail as well as better stopping and powering astern. Maintenance is simple - I haul out every 2nd year and as Kiwiprop blades are composite they can be painted with anti-fouling - this year I had only a couple of barnacles, easily removed with a plastic scraper. Blade angles are easily adjusted if necessary although I received mine with exact sizing and blade angles for my boat from the supplier.
RHF
Since you already have the three blade prop I don't think you will much if any different in performance. Minor difference in performance based on slightly less drag.There will be the required maintenance of the kiwi vs none for the fixed three blade and maybe just a minor difference in reliability as the kiwi has moving part vs no moving parts with the fixed blade. I believe there will be no reliability issue but more of a possibility with the kiwi. I don't see where you are going to gain anything by changing unless you are a avid racer and speed is all important to you. just my opinion........
Thanks, RHF. Your information is very helpfull. I am close to deciding about a purchase, but no one in my marina or boat yard has used a Kiiwiprop, and the manufacturer's web site testimonials are dated. So your positive experience supports the technical information I've read.
Jack
Jack
Pete, you're right in suggesting that performance may not change significantly. The boat struggles in reverse, which is an issue when approaching the end of a dock or leaving it, and has a significant prop-walk, which makes maneuvering in tight spaces a noticeable problem. Although I 've stopped racing, it would be nice to gain a little speed when cruising.
Jack
Jack
I've had a Kiwi on my Hunter 38 for 3 years with no problems. Definitely more reverse control although I still have a minor prop walk. I'd do it again.
I've had a Kiwi for 3 or 4 years on my H356 and it was a good improvement. I replaced a fixed three blade and there is a notable difference in sailing performance, especially in light air. Boat sails like it was meant to, now. I have less prop walk in both forward and reverse. I do not, however, get quite as good top end speed, tho still adequate. In my situation, the benefits outweighed the slight loss in top speed. Maintenance consists of squirting in some lube. Takes 5 min.
I also have a Kiwi on my Hunter 355 for the last season and it has proformed very well. The control and power is reverse is very good with very little prop walk. In foward I have lost maybe 1/2 knot but have gained power when plowing through waves over my orginial 2 bladed prop. There a gain in speed when sailing and no more shaft turning or haveing to lock the shaft in place by putting it in gear thus creating more drag. Maintance is very little and the design is very simple with no gears since each blade is independant of others.
Bob
Bob
Jack,
You have already received good feedback, but I thought I would add to it anyway. I race on a friend's Hunter 31 that has a Kiwiprop for 2 to 3 seasons now. At first, the engine "smoked" due to incorrect pitching. Once this adjustment was made (corrected), the smoking has stopped. The boat is 1/2 to 1 knot faster under sail (depending on conditions, with no real difference in winds over about 12 knots), and backs with little prop walk (stops better too). He has nothing but good things to say about his decision to buy one. Hopefully the people experiencing a loss of speed in forward gear have the correct pitch for their engine and boat (may just be the price paid with their particular boat?).
Good luck,
Tom
You have already received good feedback, but I thought I would add to it anyway. I race on a friend's Hunter 31 that has a Kiwiprop for 2 to 3 seasons now. At first, the engine "smoked" due to incorrect pitching. Once this adjustment was made (corrected), the smoking has stopped. The boat is 1/2 to 1 knot faster under sail (depending on conditions, with no real difference in winds over about 12 knots), and backs with little prop walk (stops better too). He has nothing but good things to say about his decision to buy one. Hopefully the people experiencing a loss of speed in forward gear have the correct pitch for their engine and boat (may just be the price paid with their particular boat?).
Good luck,
Tom
I fitted a Kwiprop last year and can confirm all the positive comments. I replaced a fixed pitch 3 blade that would have been right for a launch so I lost out a little on motoring performance. The improvement in pointing ability and speed under sail has amazed me, we use the engine about half as much as before. Mine was a second hand KP several years old and I did have a technical problem which the manufacturer helped to sort out. They couldn't have been more helpful, so I am delighted with the product and the back up. Best regards,
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