Am considering adding a feathering or rotating prop to my H30.... would greatly appreciate input from those who have experience using the various options out there in the marketplace -- MaxProp, Autoprop, KiwiProp, etc etc... Please post here for the benefit of all... Many thanx!
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My experience with a Max Prop
I have already bored many with my posts to this BB about how good the Max prop is on my Hunter 380. I had problems when I first bought the boat with it turning hard to starboard even with the wheel brake on. Some people said it was prop walk and that a feathering prop would be better. I bought a three blade Max prop from PYI and I have never been so pleased with my decision. Interesting enough, the problem of turning to the right was a rudder problem, not prop walk as first thought. Here is what I like about the Max prop on this boat: The frist thing I noticed was that the engine was much more quiet or smooth. We had much less vibrations--three blades may be the reason for that characteristic but whatever, it was smooth. Backing down was very much improved. So much that I have gotten a number of compliments about my boat handling skill. I accept all compliments but in my mind, thank the Max. Boat speed has improved slightly. We spent 25 days crusing with another H380 who had a standard 2 blade fixed prop and I would cruise at 2600 rpms while there were at 3100 or 3200 rpms. Going through chop also seems to have improved while under power. We seem to slug it through the short chop better than I did with the two blade. Sailing has also improved although I have not done much of it this summer--light winds. I believe I am getting maybe a half to three quarters of a knot better when sailing. The prop is a work of art but it requires matainance. I have to have a working zinc on it plus the one I put on the shaft. Since I haul each spring this is not a big problem but I do send a diver down to check it about half through the year. Kevin Woody of PYI was extremely helpful to me when I bought the prop. Since that time I found out the Swans, Oysters, and several other top of the line boats from Europe use these props as standard items on their boats. I think Hunter would be wise to the same thing. In summary, I like my MaxProp very, very much. One of the best things I did to this boat. Les
I have already bored many with my posts to this BB about how good the Max prop is on my Hunter 380. I had problems when I first bought the boat with it turning hard to starboard even with the wheel brake on. Some people said it was prop walk and that a feathering prop would be better. I bought a three blade Max prop from PYI and I have never been so pleased with my decision. Interesting enough, the problem of turning to the right was a rudder problem, not prop walk as first thought. Here is what I like about the Max prop on this boat: The frist thing I noticed was that the engine was much more quiet or smooth. We had much less vibrations--three blades may be the reason for that characteristic but whatever, it was smooth. Backing down was very much improved. So much that I have gotten a number of compliments about my boat handling skill. I accept all compliments but in my mind, thank the Max. Boat speed has improved slightly. We spent 25 days crusing with another H380 who had a standard 2 blade fixed prop and I would cruise at 2600 rpms while there were at 3100 or 3200 rpms. Going through chop also seems to have improved while under power. We seem to slug it through the short chop better than I did with the two blade. Sailing has also improved although I have not done much of it this summer--light winds. I believe I am getting maybe a half to three quarters of a knot better when sailing. The prop is a work of art but it requires matainance. I have to have a working zinc on it plus the one I put on the shaft. Since I haul each spring this is not a big problem but I do send a diver down to check it about half through the year. Kevin Woody of PYI was extremely helpful to me when I bought the prop. Since that time I found out the Swans, Oysters, and several other top of the line boats from Europe use these props as standard items on their boats. I think Hunter would be wise to the same thing. In summary, I like my MaxProp very, very much. One of the best things I did to this boat. Les
Low Drag Props
With regard to low drag props (we have a PYI feathering Max Prop), what I like about it is the propeller shaft doesn't turn while sailing - less wear and tear on the transmission; less turbulence ergo less water noise; and, oh yes - less drag therefore boat sails faster and points higher. The feathering prop allows the boat to sail faster approximately equal to the next larger headsail; i.e., 110 becomes like a 150, 150 becomes like a spinnaker with regard to speed. Tracking angle to weather becomes several degrees better and this is clearly visible when racing. With head sails or flying sails one has to change sails but with the feathering prop one doesn't have to do anything - just put the transmission in reverse. Downside: Initial cost, maintenance (never allow the zincs to wear out), and they typically have to be greased at haul outs - not a really big deal. Speed comparison between fixed blade and folding prop under power: about the same; I can't tell any difference. With fixed prop the stern used to get some black color but with the feathering prop the soot discoloration is negligible. Save wear and tear on the engine: With a feathering prop we sail more and motor less and there is a value here. Also, since diesel exhaust is highly carcinogenic and/or toxic this can also help with you health. Prop walk: As far as I'm concerned this is a non issue, in fact I like some because it actually makes docking easier by using it to my advantage; can't understand why anyone wouldn't want some. Recommend you walk the marina and find someone that has a feathering/folding prop and see if they'll take you out for a demonstration. With a steady wind shift the transmission from forward into reverse and note the speed difference. We've had our prop for 13 years now and feel it was a very good decision.
With regard to low drag props (we have a PYI feathering Max Prop), what I like about it is the propeller shaft doesn't turn while sailing - less wear and tear on the transmission; less turbulence ergo less water noise; and, oh yes - less drag therefore boat sails faster and points higher. The feathering prop allows the boat to sail faster approximately equal to the next larger headsail; i.e., 110 becomes like a 150, 150 becomes like a spinnaker with regard to speed. Tracking angle to weather becomes several degrees better and this is clearly visible when racing. With head sails or flying sails one has to change sails but with the feathering prop one doesn't have to do anything - just put the transmission in reverse. Downside: Initial cost, maintenance (never allow the zincs to wear out), and they typically have to be greased at haul outs - not a really big deal. Speed comparison between fixed blade and folding prop under power: about the same; I can't tell any difference. With fixed prop the stern used to get some black color but with the feathering prop the soot discoloration is negligible. Save wear and tear on the engine: With a feathering prop we sail more and motor less and there is a value here. Also, since diesel exhaust is highly carcinogenic and/or toxic this can also help with you health. Prop walk: As far as I'm concerned this is a non issue, in fact I like some because it actually makes docking easier by using it to my advantage; can't understand why anyone wouldn't want some. Recommend you walk the marina and find someone that has a feathering/folding prop and see if they'll take you out for a demonstration. With a steady wind shift the transmission from forward into reverse and note the speed difference. We've had our prop for 13 years now and feel it was a very good decision.
John and Les have said it all!
I have 1989 33.5 and have had the Maxprop for 7 or 8 years. I use the 2 blade variety and it works fine for me. Power in reverse is improved. In fresh water, zincs are not an issue. PYI has been very helpful with any questions. As Les said, the prop is a work of art. RB
I have 1989 33.5 and have had the Maxprop for 7 or 8 years. I use the 2 blade variety and it works fine for me. Power in reverse is improved. In fresh water, zincs are not an issue. PYI has been very helpful with any questions. As Les said, the prop is a work of art. RB
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