Martec Feathering Props?

[Johnnie Engesser]

I am looking for advice from anyone with expreience with the Martec line of feathering props. I am interested in the 3 blade for my Hunter 340.The Martec props are considerably less expensive than a 3 blade Max Prop or AutoProp. This usually implies a significant difference in quality, functionality, etc. What's the story?Johnnie EngesserS/V Grace

 

[Justin Wolfe]

Made in Australia...

That could be the reason for the price difference. My parents have a Martec (really an Autostream marketed by Martec in the US) 3 blade on their Hunter 43. It works great. The pitch is adjustable while the boat is in the water (tested!) and seems to be quality piece of engineering. IF I ever buy a feathering prop it will be the Martec/Autostream.

 

[Ron]

Ques: Rebuilding a Feathering Prop

Is it possible to remove a Martec feathering prop to have it overhauled without taking the boat out of water. And of course, reinstalling after the rebuild. I've been told the bushings need to be replaced. I'm an experience scuba diver, and good with tools. Doable underwater?Thanks,Ron Photoron@earthlink.net

 

[Justin Wolfe]

Ron. Yes.

When my dad got his Martec he originally had a diver install it. Everything went well except the threads on the shaft were about 1/4-1/2" too long so the prop couldn't be put on all the way. Had the shaft been the right length it would have worked.If the prop is already installed and you are just doing maintenance it is removable underwater.