new (to me) autoprop

[duality]

i just received my new autoprop and am curious about some details. i'v had feathering props before and they had a stop, the blades turned to the end and that was it. this prop turns 360 degrees. i am curious how others like the performance of this prop, and also any ideas of increase of speed i should be able to achieve.

thanks
mike

 

[larryw]

An autoprop automatically achieves the correct angle of attack around it's pivot point based on load and RPM. I don't have one, (I have a Max-Prop, which feathers) but they're supposed to be great, with phenomenal reverse thrust because the leading edge is always the leading edge.

 

[Bryce22345]

I've had an autoprop for ten years on my H410. great prop. I get, in calm seas and no current about 1.5 knots more speed at 2800 rpm with my yanmar 4jh2. takes a little getting use to as at an idle like approaching a mooring, the boat does about 2 knots. found that putting it in neutral is the key as the prop will act a bit like a drogue

 

[Mike B]

Had one on our last boat, a 36'er, and loved it. Apx 1kt more while motoring and roughly the same under sail. In spite of reports of minimal prop walk I experienced quite a bit. Not a problem once I realized it was the norm. Actually used it to control the angle of the boat when docking. Two other things to keep in mind are it needs to be serviced (greased & new zinc) peridocially, the other is any appreciable build up on the blades will cause vibration. The salinity of the water you keep it in will dictate how often you'll need to haul her to service it.

 

[chuckwayne]

Ditto for us! we've had an autoprop on our 356 for 6 years now and we love it! great performance in forward and reverse, we've gained about 1kt under sail and generally cruise at about 1000rpm less than with our stock 3 blade. we only need to service the prop annually. The full swivel is great in Maine, because if you snag a lobster pot you just have to put her in neutral quickly and the potline slides right off (don't ask me how I know). the only thing i'd do is order some spare grease fittings (the end you put on your gun)-it seems to vanish over the summer. Depending on your location, you should have a spare tailcone. My old marina had a lot of stray currents and we used 2 per year, even with 2 zincs on the shaft. Here in Maine the tailcone lasts several years.